Saithe (Pollock)

Pollachius virens

Type: Saltwater, Pelagic, Benthopelagic

Saithe (Pollock)

Physical Characteristics

Elongated body with a distinctive greenish-black to brownish back and a silvery-white belly. Features three dorsal fins, two anal fins, and a very straight lateral line that is clearly visible and light-colored. The lower jaw slightly protrudes, and unlike cod, it lacks a prominent barbel on the chin.

Habitat & Distribution

Found in the North Atlantic, from the Barents Sea down to the Bay of Biscay and from Greenland to North Carolina. Lives in water depths from the surface down to 200–300 meters, often found near rocky bottoms or wrecks.

Size & Weight

Commonly 30–80 cm, but can grow up to 130 cm in length and reach weights of up to 32 kg (70 lbs).

Similar Looking Species

Pollack (Pollachius pollachius) which has a dark, curved lateral line and a more prominent protruding lower jaw; Atlantic Cod (Gadus morhua) which has a speckled skin and a notable chin barbel.

Ecological Role

An active predator that serves as a vital component of the North Atlantic food web, regulating populations of smaller fish and crustaceans while serving as prey for seals and larger sharks.

Diet

Adults are opportunistic carnivores feeding mainly on small fish like herring, sand eels, and capelin, as well as crustaceans and squid. Juveniles feed on copepods and small krill.

Behavior

Highly gregarious and active swimmers that often form large, dense schools. They are known for vertical migrations, moving toward the surface to feed during twilight and descending during the day.

Reproduction

Spawns in late winter and early spring in offshore waters at depths of 100-200 meters. The eggs and larvae are pelagic, drifting with currents toward coastal nursery areas.

Conservation Status

Least Concern (IUCN), with many stocks considered stable and well-managed through international quotas.

Identification Tips

Look for the straight, pale lateral line and the absence of a chin barbel. The three separate dorsal fins and the greenish-black coloration on the dorsal side are key indicators.

Interesting Facts

Saithe are among the fastest swimmers in the cod family (Gadidae). Young saithe, often called 'sillocks' or 'poddlies' in certain regions, stay close to shore in rock pools and kelp forests before moving to deeper water as they mature.

Identified on: 5/1/2026

Mode: Standard