Molva molva (Linnaeus, 1758)
Ling
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Adult Molva molva live in deepwater ranging from 300-400 m, while juveniles tend to live inshore over rocks. In the study area they are distributed from Gibralter north to Iceland, Skagerrak and the Barents Sea. Breeding takes place from March to July in 50-300 m (Whitehead et al., 1986a).
Ling are distinguished from other cod fish by their elongate body with two dorsal fins, the first of which is short and the second long, and their long chin barbel. They are coloured bronze or green and are distinctly marbled above, lighter below with dark spots on the anterior edges of both dorsal fins and white edges on the anal fins (Whitehead et al., 1986a).
During the present survey, ling were observed on the Sula Reef, and on the transitional and coral debris zones associated with it. They did not appear to be disturbed by the presence of the camera altough a few were attracted to the light.
As with a number of the cod fish, ling are an important commercial species (Lythgoe and Lytgoe, 1991).
Ling appear to have only recently been removed from the family Gadidae and placed in the family Lotidae, which has been elevated from subfamily level (Costello et al., 2001).
There is more information available for this species in FishBase.
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