What specific color is the lateral line of Merlangius merlangus noted to be, distinguishing it from haddock?
Answer
Brown
A key physical detail used to differentiate the true whiting (*M. merlangus*) from haddock involves the coloration of the lateral line structure running along its side. For *M. merlangus*, the lateral line is characterized as being brown. In stark contrast, the haddock features a distinctly black lateral line. This difference in pigment, along with the difference in the size of the pectoral spot, provides reliable visual cues for separating these two members of the Gadidae family, which otherwise share a similar overall body plan and habitat.
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