Merluccius

fish genus

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June 30, 2026

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Merluccius is a genus of large marine fish belonging to the cod family, Gadidae, though sometimes classified separately as Merlucciidae due to skeletal differences. These fish are characterized by their elongated bodies, large heads, and sharp teeth. They possess two dorsal fins, with the second being long and slightly notched, and a similarly long, notched anal fin. Their pelvic fins are positioned far forward, ahead of the pectoral fins.1

Hakes are swift, carnivorous predators. Despite having soft flesh, they are consumed as food and are found in the Atlantic Ocean, eastern Pacific Ocean, and near New Zealand. Notable species include the European hake (Merluccius merluccius), the silver hake (M. bilinearis) of the American Atlantic, and the stockfish (M. capensis) from South Africa.1

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hake
>Merluccius), any of several large marine fishes of the cod family, Gadidae. They are sometimes classed as a separate family, Merlucciidae, because of skeletal differences in the skull and ribs. Hakes are elongated, largeheaded fishes with large, sharp teeth. They have two dorsal fins, the…
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>Merluccius), any of several large marine fishes of the cod family, Gadidae. They are sometimes classed as a separate family, Merlucciidae, because of skeletal differences in the skull and ribs. Hakes are elongated, largeheaded fishes with large, sharp teeth. They have two dorsal fins, the…
Read More