Species · GBIF taxon 2415769
Alaska Pollock
Gadus chalcogrammusAlso known as Pacific Pollock, Walleye Pollock, Snow Cod
Alaska pollock form immense, shimmering schools in the icy waters of the North Pacific, serving as a cornerstone of the marine food web. These slender, speckled cod relatives migrate vertically each day, feeding on krill near the surface at night and retreating to deeper waters during the day. As one of the world's most heavily harvested food fish, they support massive marine mammal and seabird populations while anchoring global seafood markets.
MarineSchoolingCommercial
Licensed referenceGeorge Berninger Jr. / CC BY-SA 4.0 · CC BY-SA 4.0
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Diet & prey
- Krill
- Copepods
- Amphipods
Predators
- Steller Sea Lion
- Humpback Whale
- Pacific Halibut
ThreatsClimate change, ocean warming, and localized overfishing
HabitatsSubarctic marine waters, pelagic and demersal zones
Life spanUp to 15 years
Size / weightNot available
Classification
- FamilyGadidae
- SpeciesGadus chalcogrammus
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskLow
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is low
- Safe to observe at a normal distance.
Responsible observation
- Aquarium Viewing: Observe their schooling behavior in large, cold-water public aquarium exhibits.
- Sustainable Sourcing: Look for certified sustainable labels when purchasing this fish for consumption.
Close Relative NOAA / Public Domain (NOAA) · Public Domain (NOAA)
Close Relative David Csepp NMFS / Public Domain (NOAA) · Public Domain (NOAA)
Family Member J. Deeds FDA / Public Domain (FDA) · Public Domain (FDA)
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