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Pelagic species hunt freely in high sea areas. Most common species are herring, mackerel, capelin and sprats. But also species like blue whiting, horse mackerel, sandeel and Norwegian pout are important species. The better part of the fish are used for direct consumption. Pelagic species also form the basis for marine raw materials, used in the fishmeal and oil industry.”
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Pelagic fish, also known as oily, or oil-rich fish, generally swim in the pelagic zones of the oceans, in the upper water masses of the sea. Pelagic fish are fast moving, they swim in shoals and tend to be nomadic, migrating over large distances. Although they feed primarily on plankton, many pelagic fish are opportunistic feeders.
The quality of Arctic fish is world renowned. In cold, crystal clear waters, the fish live in superb conditions, free from any artificial additives or pollution. Furthermore, fish from the Arctic oceans have a significantly higher fat content than other species of fish. Species such as mackerel, horse mackerel, herring and capelin are a good source of vitamins A and D, as well as being rich in Omega 3. It is therefore widely accepted that the consumption of these fish is more beneficial to humans than white fish.
Pelagic fish are easily recognisable due to their strong colouring. They usually have a dark upper surface, and a light underside, which allows them to blend into their natural habitat of the deep, dark blue sea below and the brighter light from the sky above. As it is important for pelagic fish to be streamlined, their eyes are flat against their body and their pectoral fins can fold down into grooves to minimise drag. Their scales are also tiny and smooth and at the front, they form armour-like plating. Like all big fast moving fish, they are quiet swimmers with special mechanisms to minimise drag, turbulence and pressure waves.
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