American silver hake, scientifically known as Merluccius bilinearis, is a species of marine fish belonging to the family Merlucciidae. It is widely found in the western Atlantic Ocean, ranging from the Gulf of Maine down to North Carolina. This demersal fish inhabits depths ranging from 30m to 800m, typically residing near the continental shelf and slope.
The American silver hake is characterized by its slender and elongated body, reaching an average length of 40-60cm, although some individuals can grow up to 1m in length. It possesses a silvery coloration on its sides and a metallic sheen over its scales, giving it its distinctive appearance. Other identifying features include a long and pointed snout, a single long dorsal fin, and an extended anal fin.
An economically important species, American silver hake supports significant commercial and recreational fisheries along the East Coast of the United States and Canada. These fish feed on a varied diet comprising small fish, crustaceans, and other invertebrates. With a lifespan of approximately 10 years, they reach sexual maturity at around 2-4 years old.
Due to their mild taste and firm texture, American silver hake is highly sought after for culinary purposes. Commonly utilized in seafood dishes, it is prized for its delicate flavor and versatile culinary applications. Furthermore, it is often marketed under alternative names such as "whiting" or "silver hake" to consumers and can be found fresh or frozen in various seafood markets.
