Merluccius peruanus Ginsburg, 1954
Peruvian hake
photo by Hooker, Y.

Family:  Merlucciidae (Merluccid hakes)
Max. size:  68 cm TL (male/unsexed); 115 cm TL (female); max. reported age: 13 years
Environment:  bathydemersal; marine; depth range 50 - 500 m, oceanodromous
Distribution:  Southeast Pacific: off the coast of Peru, from Paita southward to Huarmey.
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 1-1; Dorsal soft rays (total): 45-54; Anal spines: 0-0; Anal soft rays: 36-42. Caudal fin margin usually concave. Color is silvery on back, silvery whitish on belly. M. gayi gayi and M. gayi peruanus differ by the total number of vertebrae, total number of gill rakers and relative length of head (Ref. 1371).
Biology:  Occurs from the shallow continental shelf to the upper continental slope (Ref. 1371). Sometimes found off the bottom or in midwater (Ref. 1371). Marketed fresh and frozen and also used for fishmeal (Ref. 1371).
IUCN Red List Status: Not Evaluated (N.E.) Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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