The scientific name, distribution and characteristics of the blue ling, Molva dypterygia (Pennant), from West Greenland and Newfoundland areas

Abstract

1. A discussion of the various scientific names used for the blue ling leads to the conclusion that the correct name is Molva dypterygia (Pennant, 1784). 2. Meristic and morphometric characteristics are provided for two blue ling from West Greenland and one from the Newfoundland area. 3. The morphometric and meristic characters of blue ling from the north-west Atlantic specimens are usually within, overlapping or close to the ranges of these characters for Molva dypterygia from the north-east Atlantic. 4. The commercial statistics for ling in the ICNAF area are discussed and attention called to some of the errors. 5. It is concluded that blue ling are present in small numbers in the West Greenland area and rare in the remaining areas, the most southern definite records being from ICNAF Subarea 3.