Molva

Molva is a small genus of marine fish in the family Lotidae, commonly referred to as ling. The genus includes several species, among them Molva molva, the common ling, and Molva dypterygia, the blue ling.

Ling are elongated, laterally compressed fishes with a large head and a long continuous dorsal fin. They have a robust body, an elongated tail, and a large mouth with sharp teeth. Color varies by species and age, generally ranging from brownish to bluish tones.

They are native to the cold and temperate waters of the North Atlantic and adjacent seas, from western Europe to the Arctic, occupying the continental shelf and upper slope on rocky or sandy bottoms at depths from shallow coastal waters to several hundred meters.

Biology and ecology: Ling are slow-growing and long-lived, maturing late. They are benthopelagic predators feeding on fishes and crustaceans. Reproduction occurs by external fertilization, with eggs that drift in the pelagic zone; spawning seasons vary by region.

Fisheries and human use: Ling support artisanal and commercial fisheries in parts of their range and are valued for their meat. Management measures in various regions include size limits, seasonal closures, and quotas to prevent overfishing; the conservation status and stock trends vary by species and area.