 The lateral line of "P. pollachius" has a noticeable kink over the pectoral fins while that of "P. virens" is straighter.The flesh of coalfish ("P. virens") is darkly coloured (hence the common name) while that of "P. pollachius" is similar to other members of the cod family.This dark colour in the fresh uncooked flesh may have led to the undeserved reputation of this fish as poor for eating.