The Norway pout is a coastal fish, similar to poor cod, shaped like an elongated triangle with a copper-coloured back and silvery sides and belly. It is about 20-30 cm (8-12 inches) long. It has a short barbel on its lower jaw, long thin pelvic fins and two abdominal fins connected by a membrane, The flesh is lean, but rather flavourless and has many bones. It deteriorates rapidly, and so should be prepared very quickly.