No. 6 POLLACK, LYTHE, etc. 



Gadus pollachins, Linnaeus. 



Usual extreme length : 3 feet. 



Description: Somewhat similar to the Coalfish, but readily 

 distinguishable from that species by the following- character- 

 istics : lower jaw more protruding; the body proportionately 

 deeper in comparison with length ; no barbel ; coloration dis- 

 tinctly greenish, instead of blue-black or black, with bronze 

 reflections on the sides ; lateral line not so conspicuous as in 

 the Coalfish. 



The Pollack spawns from March to June; its food consists 

 largely of other fishes in the case of the adult, the young 

 subsisting chiefly on small crustaceans, molluscs, marine 

 worms, etc. 



Range: From Scandinavia to the Mediterranean. Although 

 the Pollack occurs everywhere around the British Isles, it 

 appears to be the southern equivalent of the Coalfish, being 

 found most commonly off the coasts of Devon and Cornwall. 



Remarks: -At least forty local names are known for this species, and 

 in the North of Scotland and off the Irish Coast it is often confused 

 with the Coalfish. The nuantity of Pollack landed by commercial fishing 

 vessels is inconsiderable in comparison with that of Coalfish, but the 

 market value is much higher. The Pollack is essentially a sea-angler's 

 fish, affording good sport to the line fisherman in the vicinity of weed- 

 covered rocks. The flesh, moreover, both in quality and flavour, is far 

 superior to that of the Coalfish, but equally liatle to rapid deterioration. 

 It is on this account seldom sold retail outside the ports of landing. 

 When quite fresh from the sea and fried in fillets, or cut into small 

 pieces and served as "mock whitebait," it is an excellent table fish. 



