Identification
A small gadoid of 15 to 25 cm with a slender, silvery body and notably large eyes. Bronze-colored back, silvery flanks. Three dorsal fins and two anal fins. Short chin barbel.
Ecology
Lives in schools at 50 to 300 meters over sand and mud bottoms. Feeds on small crustaceans, especially krill. An important prey species for cod, haddock, and seabirds. Rarely lives beyond five years.
In the Netherlands
Found in the northern North Sea. Commercially important as raw material for fishmeal and fish oil. Caught in large quantities as bycatch.
