(Børsabergan - The Trondheim fjord / 10 meters / 1.16.2002)

Phylum: Chordata

Superclass: Gnathostomata

Class: Actinopterygii

Order: Gadiformes

Family: Gadidae

Scientific name: Pollachius pollachius

 

Norwegian: lyr

Distribution: The pollack is one of the most common fish along the Norwegian coast. In the spring pollacks gather in large shoals before spawning. Large individuals often come very close to shore. This makes it a very popular fish among sport fishers. During night dives it is not unusual to find pollacks sleeping on the bottom. They rarely go deeper than 200 meters.

Characteristics: The pollack has a curved lateral line. As many other members of the cod family it has three dorsal fins and two anal fins. There are reports of 130 cm long individuals, but 50 cm is still regarded as a big pollack. It lacks a beard on the protruding lower jaw.

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