Ling

a fish of the codfish family. It has a long body, with two back fins. The front fin is much the shorter. A barbel is attached to the chin. The lower jaw and palate are armed with large teeth. The usual length is from three to four feet, but ling from five to six feet in length and weighing seventy pounds have been taken. The ling is found in the North Atlantic as far south as the coast of Spain. It is taken chiefly in the German Ocean off the coasts of Great Britain, Ireland, Norway, and Denmark. During the summer it remains in deep water, but during the winter months it approaches the shore and is taken by means of long lines. Ling are also taken in the waters of Greenland and Newfoundland. Ling is prepared for market either by salting down or by splitting and drying. It is one of the favorite fishes on the continent during the season of Lent.