Phycis Blennoides
– Greater Forkbread –
| Scientific classification |
|---|
Phycis blennoides Brünnich, 1768
| Domain | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Subphylum | Vertebrates |
| Class | Actinopterygii |
| Order | Gadiformes |
| Family | Phycidae |
| Kind | Phycis |
| Species | P. blennoides |
The Musdea or Mostella [1] ( Phycis blennoides [Brünnich 1768]) is a sea fish of the Phycidae family (which only according to some authors is to be separated from the Gadidae family )
Description
This species is very similar to the musdea , but has a more elongated and laterally compressed body. The dorsal fins are two, the first is triangular, has a black spot at the apex and is much smaller than the second which, however, is very long and low and often has a dark spot in the center. The anal fin is symmetrical to the second dorsal, the ventral fins are formed by a bifid filament that reaches and exceeds the beginning of the anal fin (in Phycis phycis they are shorter), the pectoral fins are small and the caudal finit is small and with a convex edge. The eyes are larger than in the congener and there is a small barb under the jaw . The mouth is very wide.
The color is light, pinkish beige or yellowish, which takes on purple reflections on the back. The unequal fins may have a dark edge and a blackish spot on the gill operculum may be present .
Distribution and Habitat
It is present in the Mediterranean Sea and in the North Atlantic Ocean between Morocco and northern Norway , including Iceland and the Azores . It is common in the Italian seas, especially in the Tyrrhenian and Ligurian seas .
It frequents muddy bottoms at great depths, between 100 and 800 meters, but small specimens can be found under the coast.
Alimentation
It is a predator and feeds mainly on fish and crustaceans.
Reproduction
In spring, the larvae and juveniles up to 3 cm have a pelagic life and show off a silvery blue livery .
Fishing
It catches sometimes so abundant with bottom trawls and with longline gear ; its meat is similar to that of hake but less valuable because it is soft.
