# Ling (*Molva molva*) Ling is a long, slender fish that lives in deep waters. They are known for their firm, delicious meat! - **Category:** [Fish](https://www.snappit.app/explore/categories/fish) - **Rarity:** Common - **Danger:** 2/5 · Low - **Habitat:** Deep ocean waters - **Also known as:** Belly Ling, Blue Ling, Lingcod ![Ling](https://res.cloudinary.com/drieglelr/image/upload/v1771426738/objects/4711.jpg) ## Appearance The Ling is a long, slender fish with an elongated body, typically mottled brown or greenish-grey on its back, fading to white on its belly. It has a single long dorsal fin and a prominent barbel (whisker) on its chin, which helps distinguish it from other cod-like species. ## Taxonomy - **Kingdom:** Animalia - **Phylum:** Mollusca - **Class:** Actinopterygii - **Order:** Gadiformes - **Family:** Lotidae - **Genus:** Molva ## Interesting facts - Ling can live for over 20 years, a very long fish life! - They use special vision to hunt in super deep, dark waters! - This fish loves to hide and hunt inside old shipwrecks! - Wow! Ling can grow longer than an adult person! ## Special abilities - **Pressure Resistance:** Ling can withstand extreme deep-sea pressure because of special adaptations that protect its body in crushing depths. - **Camouflage Master:** Ling has mottled brown and green colors that help it blend perfectly with rocky seabeds to ambush prey. - **Chin Whisker Sense:** Ling uses its long chin barbel to feel for prey hiding in the dark, detecting even tiny movements. ## Measurements & details - **Length:** 60-200 cm - **Weight:** 5-45 kg - **Lifespan:** 5-20 years - **Swim Speed:** 20 km/h - **Maximum Depth:** 1000 m - **Water Type:** Saltwater ## Diet & Feeding The Ling is a deep-sea predator that mostly eats other fish, along with crustaceans and squid. - **Primary Foods:** Haddock, Cod, Mackerel, Whiting, Crabs, Squid - **Foraging Method:** Ambush ## Ecological connections - **Hunts:** [Atlantic Cod](https://www.snappit.app/explore/atlantic-cod) (*Gadus morhua*) — Ling actively preys on smaller cod in the deep ocean. - **Hunts:** [Haddock](https://www.snappit.app/explore/haddock) (*Melanogrammus aeglefinus*) — Haddock are a common food source for Ling on the seabed. - **Eaten by:** [Greenland Shark](https://www.snappit.app/explore/greenland-shark) (*Somniosus microcephalus*) — Large Greenland sharks are known predators of adult Ling. ## Traits - [Wildlife](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/wildlife): Wildlife encompasses all undomesticated animal and plant life existing in their natural habitats. - [Edible Mushroom](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/edible-mushroom): This trait refers to fungal species that are safe for human consumption when properly identified and prepared. - [Piscivorous](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/piscivorous): Piscivorous organisms are animals that primarily subsist on a diet of fish. - [Deep Sea](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/deep-sea): Deep sea habitats are characterized by extreme pressure, darkness, and cold temperatures, supporting unique life forms below the sunlit zone. - [Longevous](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/longevous): This trait characterizes organisms with an exceptionally long lifespan compared to others of their kind. - [Aquatic](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/aquatic): Aquatic habitats encompass environments where organisms live predominantly in water, including oceans, rivers, lakes, and wetlands. - [Nocturnal](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/nocturnal): Nocturnal animals are primarily active during the nighttime hours, typically resting or sleeping during the day. ## Collections - [Fish](https://www.snappit.app/explore/collections/fish) ## Safety **Danger:** 2/5 · Low Watch quietly from a distance and never try to feed or chase wild animals. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### How to identify Ling? Look at body shape, where the fins sit and their outline, mouth position, stripes and spots. Young fish and breeding adults can wear different patterns, and aquarium color varieties can look nothing like wild fish. Fish Identifier: upload a photo and compare the visible details. ### How long is Ling? 60-200 cm ### How much does Ling weigh? 5-45 kg ### How long does Ling live? 5-20 years ### What does Ling eat? The Ling is a deep-sea predator that mostly eats other fish, along with crustaceans and squid. ### How fast can Ling swim? 20 km/h ### Where is Ling usually found? Deep ocean waters ### How does Ling hunt? Ambush ## Where to spot - [Marine Park](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/marine-park) — New York, US · Park - [Aquarium of the Bay](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/aquarium-of-the-bay-california) — California, US · Zoo - [Belle Isle Aquarium](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/belle-isle-aquarium-us) — US · Aquarium - [Everglades Alligator Farm](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/everglades-alligator-farm) — Florida, US · Zoo - [SeaWorld San Antonio](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/seaworld-san-antonio) — Texas, US · Aquarium - [Castle Clinton](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/castle-clinton) — US · Aquarium [View all places to see Ling](https://www.snappit.app/guides/where-to-see/ling) ## More Fish - [Rainbow Trout](https://www.snappit.app/explore/rainbow-trout) (*Oncorhynchus mykiss*) - [Brown Trout](https://www.snappit.app/explore/brown-trout) (*Salmo trutta*) - [Brook Trout](https://www.snappit.app/explore/brook-trout) (*Salvelinus fontinalis*) - [Lake Trout](https://www.snappit.app/explore/lake-trout) (*Salvelinus namaycush*) --- Source: [Ling: Characteristics, Facts & Places to See — Snappit](https://www.snappit.app/explore/ling)