Species · GBIF taxon 2415861
Pollock
Pollachius virensAlso known as Coalfish, Coley, Saithe, Boston Bluefish
Saithe form massive, fast-moving schools that patrol the water column from rocky coastal kelp forests to deep offshore wrecks. These active predators are easily distinguished from cod by their deeply forked tails, greenish-black backs, and straight, pale lateral lines. Young fish spend their early years in shallow inshore waters before migrating to deeper seas as they mature.
MarineSchoolingPredatory
Licensed referenceUnknown / CC-BY · cc-by
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Diet & prey
- Herring
- Sand Eels
- Krill
Predators
- Atlantic Cod
- Halibut
- Harbor Seals
ThreatsOverfishing, climate change affecting water temperatures, and habitat degradation
HabitatsCoastal waters, rocky reefs, shipwrecks, and open ocean down to 300 meters
Life spanUp to 25 years
Size / weightNot available
Classification
- FamilyGadidae
- SpeciesPollachius virens
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskLow
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is low
- Safe to observe at a normal distance.
Responsible observation
- Diving Encounters: Look for them schooling around deep rocky reefs and shipwrecks.
- Angling Practice: Use shiny lures that mimic sand eels or small herring.
Close Relative 
Close Relative NOAA / Public Domain (NOAA) · Public Domain (NOAA)
Close Relative J. Deeds FDA / Public Domain (FDA) · Public Domain (FDA)
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