As the name implies, the rare specimen has a golden hue, rather than the usual distinctive silver/dark grey colouring, and does not have the dark blotches and thumbprint markings that are the normal characteristics of the haddock. Fishery scientists say that this is caused by recessive genes from both parents of the fish, which result in either a golden or an albino effect, although the health of the fish and the fresh quality are not compromised.
 |
| A normal haddock has a much more distinctive lateral line marking and more obvious 'thumbprint' mark behind its gill plate. |
Haddock is still hugely popular in local fish and chip shops and makes an ideal substitute for cod in any recipe that calls for whitefish. It has a stronger flavour than many whitefish and is better, like most fish under rather than over-cooked!