Hake

Where it lives

European hake range from Norway and Iceland south through the Bay of Biscay into the Mediterranean and along the west coast of Africa. They live near the bottom on the outer continental shelf and upper slope, typically at 100 to 400 m, rising into the water column at night.

How to recognise it

A slender, somewhat snake-like body with a large head and a wide mouth full of needle teeth. The lower jaw protrudes slightly. Two dorsal fins — a short triangular first, a long second — and a long anal fin. The skin is metallic gray-blue above, silvery below; the inside of the mouth is black.

Diet & behavior

Hake hunt small pelagic fish — anchovy, sardine, blue whiting — and squid, rising to feed at night and sinking to rest by day. They are cannibalistic when smaller fish are scarce. Spawning happens through much of the year, peaking in winter and spring.

Fisheries & Conservation

Globally Least Concern overall. A major trawl-fishery target in Spain, France, Portugal, and South Africa; some regional stocks remain heavily exploited.