Argentine Hake
Argentine hake (merluza) is the backbone of Argentina's commercial fishing industry, not a sport fish. It lives in the cold South Atlantic off the Patagonian shelf and is caught almost exclusively by industrial bottom trawlers.
Recreational anglers rarely target it directly, but understanding its status matters — the stock has faced serious pressure and is under active management.
Scientific Name: Merluccius hubbsi
Also known as merluza, merluza común, hubbsi hake
- Elongated, laterally compressed body with a large head and a noticeably protruding lower jaw — classic hake shape.
- Coloring runs greenish-grey to silver on the back, fading to a lighter belly; a dark lateral line runs the full length of the body.
- Juveniles carry faint dark spots along the sides that disappear as the fish matures.
- Most adults run 30–65 cm; fish up to 90–95 cm have been recorded, with females growing larger and living longer than males.
What to know
Habitat Distribution
- Native to the southwestern South Atlantic; in Argentina it occupies the continental shelf from the Río de la Plata estuary south through the Patagonian shelf to around 54°S.
- Two main stocks concern Argentine waters: a northern stock (north of 41°S, shared with Uruguay) and the larger Patagonian stock (south of 41°S), which is the primary target of industrial fishing.
- Prefers cold water — typically 5–10°C — and spends most of its life at depths of 100–500 m over the shelf.
- Migrates inshore and southward in spring and summer, then moves offshore and northward in autumn after spawning.
Key Locations
- Patagonian shelf south of 41°S — the core of the industrial fishery and the most intensively managed stock.
- Northern shelf north of 41°S, including the Río de la Plata area — a shared stock managed jointly with Uruguay through the CTMFM.
- Waters adjacent to the Falkland Islands / Malvinas — a distinct fishing ground with its own conservation zones (FICZ and FOCZ).
Specific Spots
- Found over the mid-shelf at 100–200 m depth for most of the year; concentrations shift shallower (50–100 m) during spring inshore migrations.
- The Patagonian shelf south of 41°S holds the densest commercial concentrations and is where the industrial bottom-trawl fleet operates.
- Waters around the Falkland Islands / Malvinas represent a separate fishing ground with its own management zones.
Argentine Hake FAQ
Answers from onWater's species guide.
When is the best time to fish for Argentine Hake?
Spring and summer (October–March): fish migrate inshore and are more accessible in shallower shelf waters. Autumn and winter (April–September): fish move offshore and northward after spawning, concentrating in deeper water.
How do you catch Argentine Hake?
Argentine hake is caught almost entirely by industrial bottom trawlers operating off the Patagonian coast. It is not a recreational target in Argentina; the fishery is commercial in nature, with vessels working the mid-shelf at depths of 100–500 m.
What do Argentine Hake eat?
Feeds on crustaceans, squid, anchovies, and smaller hakes, a mix of invertebrates and baitfish that shifts with depth and season. Juveniles rely more heavily on crustaceans; larger adults increasingly take fish, including their own young.
Where do Argentine Hake live?
Native to the southwestern South Atlantic; in Argentina it occupies the continental shelf from the Río de la Plata estuary south through the Patagonian shelf to around 54°S.
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