merlu
Merlu, commonly known as hake, refers to several species of fish in the genus Merluccius. The European hake Merluccius merluccius is the most important commercial species in European waters; other commercially important hake species include Pacific hake Merluccius productus, South African hake Merluccius capensis, and Argentine hake Merluccius hubbsi. Hake are elongated, slender fish with a silver-grey body and a pale belly, and a dark lateral line. They have two dorsal fins, a long anal fin, and a forked tail. They occupy continental shelves and upper slopes, from shallow coastal waters to several hundred meters depth, often on muddy or sandy bottoms.
Biology and ecology: Hake feed on smaller fish and crustaceans. They reach reproductive maturity after a few
Fisheries and human uses: Hake are among the world's most commercially exploited fishes. They are caught mainly
Conservation and management: Stock assessments by regional fisheries management organizations and national authorities guide management; sustainable