Miekkakala

Miekkakala is a type of saithe fish found in the North Atlantic and Arctic Oceans. It is a member of the family Gadidae and is closely related to the codfish. Miekkakala is also known as the "yellowish-brown cod".

Physically, the miekkakala is characterized by a stocky body with a light-colored belly and a dark-colored back. The fish typically grows to a length of about 40-60 cm and weighs around 0.5-1.5 kg. Its diet consists mainly of crustaceans, mollusks, and smaller fish.

Miekkakala is a commercial fish species and is often caught in longline fisheries, as well as by smaller-scale fisheries using nets and lines. The fish is widely distributed across the North Atlantic, and is also found in the Arctic Circle. Miekkakala is prized for its mild flavor and firm texture, making it popular in culinary markets.

The name "miekkakala" is Finnish for "knife herring", referring to the fish's long, slender body that makes it resemble a knife. In Iceland, the fish is known as " Slykti" and is often smoked or dried as a delicacy.

Historically, miekkakala has been an important species in traditional fisheries, particularly in the Baltic and North Sea regions. However, due to overfishing and environmental changes, the populations of miekkakala have been declining in recent decades, prompting conservation efforts to protect the species. Despite its declining numbers, miekkakala remains a valuable species in many global fisheries.