Pollock

Quick Take

• You've almost certainly eaten Pollock without realizing it, and the products it hides in might genuinely surprise you. See the surprising products →
• One species of Pollock is Near Threatened while the other is Least Concern, and most people would probably guess wrong about which is which. Check the conservation status →
• A cheap, overlooked whitefish turns out to have a longer list of health benefits than most premium 'superfoods', with one of those benefits coming as a surprise to most pregnant women. Discover the pregnancy benefit →
• The two Pollock species live dramatically different lifespans, and the gap between them reveals something unexpected about how commercial fishing pressure shapes a fish's biology. Compare the two lifespans →

The Pollock feeds on small fishes, sand eels, worms, and crustaceans on the ocean floor. They are fished for commercial purposes because they are a cheaper and more sustainable choice compared to whitefish like Hake, Cod, and Haddock.

Amazing Pollock Fish Facts

• Humans eat this fish species, which is usually found in a variety of everyday products. For example, Pollock is the primary fish used for McDonald’s Filet-O-Fish sandwiches and imitation crab meat (surimi), and is also commonly used in fish sticks, though other whitefish may be used as well.
• These fish inhabit different regions depending on their age. For example, younger fish occur in rocky areas closer to the coastline because there are more places to hide from predators. As they get older, they move deeper into the ocean.

Classification and Scientific Name

The Pollock belongs to the order Gadiformes, a diverse group of bathypelagic fishes found worldwide. They live in cool to cold water, with habitats ranging from the ocean depths to the inshore coastal areas.

Pollock belongs to the family Gadidae and consists almost exclusively of marine fish in the order Gadiformes. They are distinguished by their dorsal fin, which is located further down on their bodies, the absence of true spines in their fins, and many have extended dorsal and anal fins.

Gadidae is known as the Cod family because its members include Cod, Haddock, Whiting, Pollock, and Cuskfish. Cods and Haddocks are distinguished by their three dorsal fins and two anal fins. Members of this family occur in the Atlantic, Pacific, and Arctic Oceans, except the burbot, which is the only freshwater member of the cod family.

Pollock are generally divided into two major commercial species, Atlantic Pollock (Pollachius pollachius) and Alaska Pollock / Walleye Pollock (Gadus chalcogrammus). The Atlantic Pollock is found in the North Atlantic, particularly around the UK, Ireland, and the Bay of Biscay. The Alaska Pollock is found in the North Pacific Ocean, where it is most common in the eastern Bering Sea.

Appearance

Atlantic Pollock have a lower jaw projection, pointed snouts, and a forked tail. Their bodies are brownish-gray, which fades into a yellow-gray, with a silvery-gray belly.

In addition, they have a small barbel that runs from their chin. Atlantic pollocks have big eyes, three dorsal fins, and elongated and slender bodies.

Their lateral lines have a silvery sheen, and the color turns to a greenish-black hue just below the line. In addition, they have a chin barbel, which they use as a tool to find food.

Behavior

Pollock fish are social creatures, and adults live in groups called schools. As the juveniles grow, they move deeper into the ocean and congregate in masses.

In addition, these fish are believed to partake in some amount of migratory behavior during their breeding season. However, they mostly remain in the same area, never traveling too far from their habitat.

Habitat

Both species of Pollock occur in similar habitats. The juveniles inhabit shallow, rocky habitats where there are lots of places to hide from predators, while adults form large schools and live in oceanic waters.

In pelagic waters, these fish can swim through various levels. They typically range between 330 and 985 feet below the surface, though they are sometimes found at depths of up to 3,300 feet.

Diet

Pollock fish are carnivores and feed on an array of other marine animals. However, their diet changes with age. For example, juveniles prey on plankton, krill, and other small invertebrates, but as they grow, their diet changes to small fish, crustaceans, squid, and herring.

Predators and Threats

Pollock fish need to be wary of the following predators:

• Halibut
• Cod
• Sablefish
• Steller sea lions
• Humans

Unfortunately, Alaskan Pollock are Near Threatened because of their use in the commercial trade. However, the populations in the Northeastern Atlantic are rarely caught.

On the other hand, the Atlantic Pollock is listed as Least Concern on IUCN’s Redlist, although it is targeted by commercial fisheries, particularly in Europe. However, they are sometimes caught as bycatch, but this does not affect their population numbers or conservation status.

Reproduction, Babies, and Lifespan

The Atlantic Pollock reaches sexual maturity between 2 and 6 years old, with most individuals maturing at 3 to 4 years, and spawns in the cool waters from September to April. However, the majority of spawning takes place from December to February. They tend to spawn over rocky bottoms or stones, and after the eggs are fertilized, they rise in the water column.

Once hatched, the young live in inshore sub-tidal and intertidal zones for around 12 months. Once they are two years old, they begin to migrate into deeper waters. Because of their relatively short lifespan, Alaskan pollocks start reproducing at the ages of three or four.

Lifespan/Longevity

The Alaska Pollock does not live long in the wild; its average lifespan is 12 years. However, the Atlantic Pollock has a longer lifespan of around 25 years.

Population

Unfortunately, there is no conclusive information on the population size of either of these two species.

Eating Pollock Fish 

Pollock is a nutritious fish, readily available for human consumption, and more sustainable and affordable than other whitefish species like hake or haddock. Most pollock consumed worldwide is Alaska pollock, which is mainly fished in the North Pacific Ocean.

Nutritional Information

This fish is similar to tuna or salmon because it is a good source of protein and low in saturated fat. Pollock is also low in calories and a fantastic source of:

• Vitamin B12
• Phosphorus
• Selenium
• Calcium
• Iron
• Magnesium
• Potassium
• Sodium
• Zinc
• Vitamin A

Health Benefits

Pollock has multiple health benefits because of its nutrient-dense nature; these benefits include:

Good Nutrients for Heart Health

Pollock contains minerals that have a positive impact on blood pressure and circulation, and which reduce the risks of heart disease. Not only are they good for the heart, but they also taste great and can be used in various recipes, so .

Pollock has anti-inflammatory Effects

Pollock contains unsaturated fats high in omega-3 fatty acids, which act as anti-inflammatories and improve the overall health of the skin and stomach.

Helps with Weight Loss

Pollock is very low in calories when compared to other sources of protein. For example, this fish has only 92 calories in 3.5 ounces.

Increases Fertility

This fish species is excellent for reproductive health. They are known for increasing fertility because of their positive effects on metabolic processes and hormone production in the body.

Pregnancy Nutrition

Eating while pregnant can be tricky; while fish is generally good for pregnant women, fish does contain mercury, which can be dangerous. However, pollock contains low amounts of mercury, so it is safe to eat as long as it is cooked.

In addition, they are a great source of zinc and iron, which are incredibly beneficial to a baby’s development. Pollock is also high in omega-3 fatty acids, which help with babies’ brain development.

Hair Health

Pollock has a considerable amount of Vitamin B, which helps regulate your metabolism and strengthens your hair.

Brain Health

Phosphorus is one of the elements that control neurological responses, and having a deficiency of the element can result in disrupted cognitive functions. When this happens, it is usually due to a deficiency of Vitamin B. Pollock contains a substantial amount of Vitamin D, which helps reduce the risk of dementia, insomnia, and depression. In addition, Pollock contains omega-3 fatty acids that promote overall brain and mental health.

Reduced Risk of Cancer

Pollock is so rich in nutrients that it can be classified as a cancer-fighting food. For example, it contains selenium, which plays a part in the repair of cells damaged by cancer, specifically prostate cancer.

In addition, they contain Vitamin B2, which acts as an antioxidant that plays an essential role in reducing the free radical damage of cells in the development of cancer. Vitamin B2 also assists in maintaining the digestive tract lining, which plays a major role in the immune system.

The development of colorectal cancer has been linked to the body’s inability to absorb nutrients from food. However, Vitamin B2 helps the body absorb all the essential nutrients it needs, reducing the risk of colorectal cancer in women.