ExploreFish

Haddock

Melanogrammus aeglefinus

Haddock are slender fish with a delicious taste. They have a dark spot behind their head and are often found in the North Atlantic Ocean.

Habitat: North Atlantic Ocean

Appearance

The Haddock has a distinct dark lateral line and a prominent black 'thumbprint' spot above its pectoral fin. Its back is silvery-grey or brownish, fading to a white belly, making it easily recognizable from other cod-like fish.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumMolluscaClassActinopterygiiOrderGadiformesFamilyGadidaeGenusMelanogrammus

Haddock

Interesting facts

Female Haddock can lay millions of tiny eggs in a single spawning season!

Haddock are a key food for hungry seals, dolphins, and bigger ocean fish.

Some legends say the Haddock's dark spot is a thumbprint from Saint Peter!

They use their keen sense of smell to hunt for food, even in murky water.

Special abilities

Haddock can use sensitive chin barbels to feel for tasty morsels hidden in the sandy seabed.

Haddock can make grunting and clicking sounds that help them communicate with other fish.

Haddock has a unique black 'thumbprint' spot that helps it blend in with rocky ocean floors.

Measurements & details

Length: 30-90 cm
Weight: 1-10 kg
Lifespan: 5-15 years
Swim Speed: 15 km/h
Max Depth: 450 m
Water Type: Saltwater

Diet & Feeding

Haddock munch on small critters they find on the seafloor, like worms, crustaceans, and tiny fish.

Age differences: Young Haddock eat tiny plankton, while adults switch to bottom-dwelling invertebrates and small fish.

Primary Foods

Marine worms
Small crustaceans
Mollusks
Starfish
Small fish

Foraging Method

Foraging

Ecological connections

eats

Grey seal

Halichoerus grypus

Seals dive deep to hunt Haddock for food.

eats

Atlantic Cod

Gadus morhua

Larger cod sometimes prey on younger Haddock.

eats

Greenland shark

Somniosus microcephalus

Giant Greenland sharks can catch Haddock in the deep sea.

Traits

Wildlife

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Marine

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