whiting, (species Gadus, or Merlangius, merlangus), common marine food fish of the cod family, Gadidae. The whiting is found in European waters and is especially abundant in the North Sea. It is carnivorous and feeds on invertebrates and small fishes. It has three dorsal and two anal fins and a chin barbel that, if present, is very small. Its maximum length is about 70 cm (28 inches), and its colour is silvery with a distinctive black blotch near the base of each pectoral fin. Several species of the drum, or croaker, family (Sciaenidae) are also called whiting, among them the northern kingfish (Menticirrhus saxatilis).