Merluccidae

views updated

Merluccidae (hake; subclass Actinopterygii, order Gadiformes) A small family of marine fish that have a rather elongate body shape, a large head, and mouth with well-developed teeth. The first dorsal fin is short and triangular, the second dorsal and anal fins are long and may show a notch near the middle. Several species are important food fish. Often found at depths of more than 200 m, the large schools of hake may come closer inshore during summer. There are about 13 species, with world-wide distribution.

More From encyclopedia.com