Hake is a commercially sought-after marine fish belonging to the order Gadiformes, the same group as cod and haddock, though it is often classified in its own family, Merlucciidae. This elongated predator is found in the temperate and cold waters of the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. While hake is sometimes confused with cod or whiting, its specific physical features, including its shape, fin arrangement, and head structure, provide clear visual identifiers.
Overall Silhouette and Coloration
The hake has a sleek, elongated body that tapers noticeably toward the tail, giving it a fusiform or torpedo-like profile. This slender structure contrasts with the bulkier appearance of relatives like Atlantic cod. Hake species typically range from medium to large, often averaging between one and eight pounds, but some can grow over three feet long and weigh up to 60 pounds.
Hake coloration generally features a silvery sheen. The color varies across species, ranging from steel-grey or brownish on the back to metallic silver on the sides. This darker dorsal coloring fades into a lighter, silvery-white belly. The skin often has somewhat loose scales, and some species, like the Pacific hake, may show black speckling on the upper surface. A distinct lateral line is usually visible, running horizontally along the flank.
Defining Characteristics of Fins
The fin structure is a defining feature that sets the hake apart from other members of the cod order. Hake possess two distinct dorsal fins along the back. The first dorsal fin is typically short, triangular, and comparatively high.
The second dorsal fin is significantly longer and lower in profile, extending almost continuously to the caudal (tail) fin. Mirroring this long, low profile is the anal fin, which also runs for a considerable length along the body. This arrangement—one short, triangular dorsal fin followed by one long dorsal fin and a single, long anal fin—is a primary visual cue for identification.
The caudal fin, or tail fin, is generally truncated, appearing straight or square, though some species may have a slightly forked or concave tail. The pelvic fins are small and set far forward on the body, positioned ahead of the pectoral fins. In certain species, such as the white hake, the third fin ray of the first dorsal fin may be elongated, and some hake in the genus Urophycis have long, filamentous pelvic fins.
Head, Jaw, and Dentition
The head is relatively large in proportion to the slender body, culminating in a pointed snout. It houses a wide, spacious mouth, indicating the hake’s predatory nature.
A distinct feature is the jaw structure: the lower jaw typically protrudes slightly beyond the upper jaw, creating a recognizable underbite. Hake are equipped with a set of long, sharp teeth that often curve slightly backward. These canine-like teeth are adapted for grasping and holding live prey, such as smaller fish, squid, and crustaceans.
In some species, a small barbel, a whisker-like sensory organ, can be found at the tip of the chin, a characteristic shared with many fish in the cod family. The eyes are generally large, typical of deep-dwelling fish, as hake often inhabit waters between 650 and 1,150 feet deep, moving shallower only at night. The interior of the mouth and the branchial (gill) cavity of some species, like the European hake, can also be dark or black.