Pollachius virens is a schooling fish of the cod family. It is widespread in the northern Atlantic Ocean and North Sea. The species lives at depths of up to 250 m. The saithe has an elongated body. The back is colored a dark green, sometimes almost black. Its sides are lighter than the back and have a pronounced sideline. The belly is silvery. Its average body length is on average 60-90 cm and can be up to 1.5 m long with a weight of more than 30 kg. The meat of this fish is often used as bait.