What shifts suspicion away from Merlangius towards the Menticirrhus group during field identification?

A rounded snout or a jawline suggesting a slightly rounded protrusion

When attempting quick identification in the field, observing the jawline and snout shape provides a strong indicator of whether the fish is a true *Merlangius* or a namesake relative like the *Menticirrhus* group. The true whiting species typically have a pointed snout. If an angler observes that the snout is distinctly rounded, or if the lower jaw protrudes in a manner suggesting a rounded profile—even if not as pronounced as a hammerhead—this feature immediately shifts suspicion away from the *Merlangius* genus and toward the *Menticirrhus* group, which is known for having a conical or rounded snout morphology. This structural detail is considered a key differentiator in casual identification scenarios.