Family Merlucciidae

Merluccid Hakes

Selected Characters: Head large, pointed; mouth large, terminal; chin barbel absent; eyes large; anal fin and second dorsal fin deeply notched; scales cycloid, small.

Members of this family are found at moderate to deep depths throughout the Atlantic and in parts of the Pacific and Indian Oceans. Some species are commercially important. Of the 13 species in this family, one is found in Puget Sound. The Pacific Hake is a schooling fish which can be up to about 90 cm long. It is not harvested for food in our area, but there is a growing international market for this fish. Pacific Hakes feed on a variety of invertebrates and fishes, and are preyed upon by marine mammals and sharks. This fish is common in Puget Sound.

Puget Sound Species

Merluccius productus Pacific Hake