Species · GBIF taxon 2415788
Whiting
Merlangius merlangusAlso known as Merling, English Whiting
Whiting are slender, silvery-blue members of the cod family that form large, active schools over sandy and muddy sea floors. Young individuals often seek shelter among the stinging tentacles of large jellyfish, gaining protection from predators while feeding on planktonic leftovers. As they mature, they move into deeper offshore waters, playing a vital role as both predator and prey in the marine food web.
MarineSchoolingCarnivorous
Licensed referenceGeorges Jansoone / CC BY 3.0 · CC BY 3.0
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Diet & prey
- Sandeels
- Brown Shrimp
- Crabs
Predators
- Atlantic Cod
- Grey Seal
- Harbour Porpoise
ThreatsCommercial overfishing, bycatch, and habitat degradation from bottom trawling.
HabitatsSandy, muddy, and gravelly sea beds in temperate marine waters.
Life spanUp to 20 years
Size / weightNot available
Classification
- FamilyGadidae
- SpeciesMerlangius merlangus
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskLow
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is low
- Safe to handle, though watch for sharp gill covers and dorsal spines.
Responsible observation
- Angling: Use light tackle with worm or fish baits near sandy bottoms during cooler months.
- Observation: Look for juveniles swimming safely alongside jellyfish in shallow coastal waters during summer.
Close Relative NOAA / Public Domain (NOAA) · Public Domain (NOAA)
Close Relative J. Deeds FDA / Public Domain (FDA) · Public Domain (FDA)
Close Relative
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