Georgy Vinogradov · Image source

Quick facts

SizeUp to 55.5 cm
WeightUp to 0.83 kg
LifespanUp to 20 years
Depth150–3000 m
Water typeMarine
Best timeVaries with seasonal migrations.

About Blue Whiting

Blue whiting is a pelagic and mesopelagic fish occurring widely in the North Atlantic.

Characteristics

  • Common in Iceland
  • Native species
  • Commercial species

Habitat

Open ocean and midwater.

Diet

Zooplankton and smaller fish.

Spawning and reproduction

Period

Late winter–spring

Reproduction

Spawns offshore near continental shelf edges and over deep water. Eggs and larvae are pelagic.

Distribution around Iceland

Occurs offshore and along continental shelf slopes around Iceland.
SourceLast verified: 09/09/2026