Apnaut

European hake

Merluccius merluccius

European hake (Merluccius merluccius)

Photo: Fernando Losada Rodríguez · CC BY-SA 4.0

Depthbetween 30 and 80 m
Habitatsandy bottoms
DifficultyMedium

The European hake (Merluccius merluccius) is one of the species that spearfishers and freedivers log in Apnaut. It usually frequents sandy bottoms and is found between 30 and 80 m, so it pays to adjust your search depth. It is usually solitary, which shapes how to approach it.

It takes some technique and knowing its behaviour. In Apnaut you have its minimum legal size across 3 different zones. Always check your area's current regulations before taking it.

Behaviour: usually solitary.

Minimum legal size by zone

ZoneMinimum size
Balearic Islands20 cm
North-East Atlantic27 cm
Mediterranean20 cm

Where to catch it

Other names

Merluza (es) · Pescada (pt) · Merlu (fr) · Nasello (it) · Seehecht (de) · Μπακαλιάρος (el) · Oslić (hr) · Berlam (tr)

Frequently asked questions

What is the minimum legal size for European hake?

It depends on the area. For example, Balearic Islands: 20 cm; North-East Atlantic: 27 cm; Mediterranean: 20 cm. See the full size-by-zone table above.

At what depth is European hake found?

Usually between 30 and 80 m, mostly over sandy bottoms.

Is it hard to spearfish on a single breath?

Its difficulty is “medium”. It is also usually solitary. In Apnaut you can log your catches and their size.

Log it in Apnaut

Add this species to your collection, log your catches with their size and check the legal minimum for your area, all from your phone.

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