Species · GBIF taxon 2415853
Pacific Cod
Gadus macrocephalusAlso known as Gray Cod, Grey Cod, Grayfish, Greyfish
Pacific cod are robust, bottom-dwelling predators that navigate the cold continental shelves of the North Pacific in massive, coordinated schools. They use a prominent chin barbel to probe the muddy seafloor for hidden prey, playing a pivotal role in the marine food web as both voracious hunters and vital food for larger marine mammals. Their mottled brownish-grey coloration provides excellent camouflage against the sandy ocean floor.
MarineSchoolingDeep-dwelling
Licensed referenceDavid Csepp NMFS / Public Domain (NOAA) · Public Domain (NOAA)
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Diet & prey
- Dungeness Crab
- Pink Shrimp
- Pacific Sand Lance
Predators
- Steller Sea Lion
- Pacific Halibut
- Killer Whale
ThreatsWarming ocean temperatures, habitat degradation from bottom trawling, and localized overfishing
HabitatsCold continental shelves and upper slopes down to 900 meters
Life spanUp to 15 to 20 years
Size / weightNot available
Classification
- FamilyGadidae
- SpeciesGadus macrocephalus
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskLow
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is low
- Safe to observe, though anglers should handle with care to avoid sharp gill plates.
Responsible observation
- Diving Encounters: Look for them over sandy or muddy bottoms in cold, subarctic waters.
- Angling Practice: Use circle hooks to minimize injury when practicing catch-and-release.
- Sustainable Choices: Support fisheries that use pots or hook-and-line gear to minimize seafloor impact.
Competitor and Predator Frequent Companion 
Close Relative NOAA / Public Domain (NOAA) · Public Domain (NOAA)
Close Relative George Berninger Jr. / CC BY-SA 4.0 · CC BY-SA 4.0
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