Porbe

The porbe is a type of fish belonging to the cod family, Gadidae. Scientifically known as *Trisopterus minutus*, it is a common demersal fish found in the eastern Atlantic Ocean. Its range extends from the waters off Norway and Iceland southward to the coasts of Portugal and the Azores. Porbe typically inhabit relatively shallow coastal waters, often found over sandy or muddy bottoms at depths ranging from 30 to 400 meters.

Physically, the porbe is a relatively small fish, usually measuring between 15 and 30 centimeters in length. It has a slender body, three dorsal fins, and two anal fins. Its coloration is generally brownish or grayish on the back, fading to a lighter belly. The porbe is a voracious predator, feeding primarily on small crustaceans, worms, and other small fish. It plays a role in the marine ecosystem as both predator and prey.

While not a major commercial species globally, the porbe is an important part of the local fisheries in some regions, particularly in Europe. It is often caught as bycatch in fisheries targeting other species. The flesh of the porbe is considered edible and is consumed in some coastal communities, though it is not as widely sought after as other cod-like fishes. Its population status is generally considered stable, with no widespread conservation concerns reported.