Common Ling

Identification

The ling is an elongated, slender fish reaching up to 2 meters. The body resembles a large eel but with two distinct dorsal fins and a single chin barbel. Color is bronze-brown on the back, lighter on the flanks with a pale belly. The tail fin is rounded.

Behavior & ecology

A bottom-dwelling predator living on rocky substrates at depths of 100 to 400 meters. Feeds on fish (cod, haddock, flatfish) and large crustaceans. Solitary and territorial, often found near wrecks and rock walls.

In the Netherlands

Rarely occurs in the southern North Sea. More typical of the northern North Sea, Norwegian coast, and Scottish waters. In Norway and Scotland, the ling is a valued sport fish for boat fishing on wrecks.