Northern rockling
📖 Overview
Found in the sublittoral zone, on sand or mud bottoms. Feed mostly on decapod crustaceans, lobsters, crabs, mysids and polychaetes . Oviparous . Spawning may take place in deeper waters .
🔬 Taxonomy
🐟 Physical Description
Dorsal soft rays (total): 48 - 51; Anal spines: 0; Anal soft rays: 41 - 43. Head relatively large, less than five times in SL. Skin fold above the upper lip with three pairs of lobes or small barbels. First fin ray followed by a row of small, fleshy filaments . One barbel on the lower jaw and four on the snout .: elongated; Cross section: oval.
🌀 Behaviour
Behavioural data for Northern rockling is currently being reviewed.
🦐 Diet
Diet information for Northern rockling is currently being compiled.
🥚 Reproduction
Probably pairs up during breeding .
🌍 Habitat & Distribution
Marine; brackish; demersal; oceano-estuarine ; depth range 10 - 90 m , usually 10 - 50 m . Temperate; 70°N - 44°N, 24°W - 22°E Northeast Atlantic: around the British Isles and northward along the European coasts to northern Norway.
🌿 Ecology
📐 Morphometrics
🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance
🛡️ Conservation Assessment
📊 Population Risk & Fisheries
🍽️ Edibility & Flavour
"Northern rockling is an edible species."
- Clear, bright eyes — cloudy eyes indicate age
- Firm flesh that springs back when pressed
- Fresh ocean smell, never strong or ammonia-like
- Bright red or pink gills, not grey or brown
- Shiny, moist skin with scales tightly attached
- Cloudy or sunken eyes
- Strong fishy or ammonia odour
- Soft, mushy flesh that doesn't spring back
- Discoloured or dry flesh
⚡ Nutrition
Per 100g cooked - Source: USDA FoodData Central
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Protein | 17.6 g |
| Omega-3 (total) | 445 mg |
🔬 Mercury Safety
Mercury data for Northern rockling has not yet been assigned. Please consult FDA/EPA guidance for general seafood safety advice.
🌿 Sustainability
🌐 Names & Taxonomy
Scientific Synonyms
| Scientific Name | Author | Year | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gaidropsarus septentrionalis | Collett | 1875 | Synonym |
| Motella septentrionalis | Collett | 1875 | Synonym |
| Onos septentrionalis | Collett | 1875 | Synonym |
🔍 Similar Species
🗺️ Global Occurrence Map
Occurrence records from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) - 3 records indexed .
👥 Community & Contribute
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