Pollachius pollachius occurs in the north-east Atlantic, from Scandinavia to Morocco, but also in the western Mediterranean Sea and the North Sea. Prefers to stay in the water column at depths of 50-200 m, sometimes descending into the benthic layers, preferring rocky surfaces. Young fish gather in schools. The body is spindle-shaped; the head and upper back are dark gray, with an olive tint. The sides are light brownish, the abdomen is light and silvery. The whiskers on the lower jaw are absent, and the lateral line above the pectoral fins is curved. Larger specimens can reach 130 cm with a body weight of about 20 kg. The average length is 70-75 cm.