Phylum: Chordata

Superclass: Gnathostomata

Class: Actinopterygii

Order: Gadiformes

Family: Lotidae

Scientific name: Molva molva

 

Norwegian: lange

Distribution: The ling is very common along the Norwegian coast, as far north as Troms. It appears occasionally in Finnmark. Adults prefer to go deeper than 100 meters, while juveniles and young individuals are often seen under rocks on diveable depths.

Characteristics: The juveniles have a beautiful brown or olive coloration on a white base. Adults have grey bodies with a brown tint. The ling has long, slender body and a distinct beard on the lower jaw. The first dorsal fin is short and rounded, while the second is uniform and rectangular in shape. Both have a dark spot at the rear end. The ling can reach a length of 2.2 meters.

All pictures:

(Ingdalen - The Trondheim fjord / 14 meters / 6.22.2003)