Upper jaw protrudes slightly. Back can be brownish, grey or greenish, fading on the flanks to pale, sometimes silvery lower flanks and underbelly. High lateral line curves upwards and eyes are relatively large. Like all members of the cod family the whiting has three dorsal fins.
Distribution
Widespread throughout all UK and Irish waters during autumn and winter.
Feeds On
Anything it can find by scavenging around on the seabed for marine worms, crustaceans and shellfish. Whiting will also actively hunt for small fish.
- Scientific name: Merlangius merlangus
- Also know as: Pin Whiting is a term for small immature whiting.
- Size: Up to 18 inches and 7lbs (UK shore caught typically 1lb or less)
- UK minimum size: 11inches (27cm) in length
- UK shore caught record: 4lb 8oz
- ICUN Status: LC (Least Concern)
