Fin's Fish Guide
The Arctic rockling (Gaidropsarus argentatus) is a saltwater fish of the family Lotidae that grows up to 35 cm.
Description
The Arctic rockling is a cod-like fish (family Lotidae) of the northern Atlantic and Arctic waters. The species reaches about 35 cm and has an elongate, brown-silvery body with barbels around the mouth. It lives epibenthically on soft bottoms of deep, cold water, usually on gravel, sand, mud, shells and stones, at temperatures near freezing. Its diet consists of small crustaceans, worms and small fishes. Because of its life in deep, cold water the species is little studied. It is of modest value as bycatch and is harmless to humans.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Arctic rockling?
The Arctic rockling has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly brown and shows a plain pattern. Deep-water rockling with barbels; lives on soft bottoms at temperatures around freezing point.
Where does the Arctic rockling live?
The Arctic rockling lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. North Atlantic and Arctic waters, on soft bottoms of deep, cold water.
How big does the Arctic rockling get?
The Arctic rockling grows to a maximum of about 35 cm.
Is the Arctic rockling dangerous to humans?
No, the Arctic rockling is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Arctic rockling edible?
The Arctic rockling is rarely eaten.
Easily confused with
These species look like the Arctic rockling and live in the same waters.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Gaidropsarus
More from the family Lotidae
Want the complete picture on the Arctic rockling?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Arctic rockling is one of 12,519 species in the app.
Or scan with your phone