Species
Poor Cod
Trisopterus minutusAlso known as Capelan, Power Cod
Poor cod gather in modest shoals near the seabed, using a sensitive chin barbel to root out small crustaceans and worms hidden in sandy sediment. Spawning occurs in late winter and early spring, after which planktonic eggs drift in open currents until hatching. While ignored by commercial fisheries due to their modest size, they serve as a vital forage link transferring energy from benthic invertebrates up to apex marine predators.
MarineSchoolingCarnivorous
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Diet & preyCrangon Crabs, Mysid Shrimp, Polychaete Worms
Predators
- Atlantic Cod
- Harbour Porpoise
- Whiting
ThreatsBycatch in commercial bottom-trawl fisheries and climate-driven ocean warming
HabitatsContinental shelf waters over sand, mud, and gravel bottoms
Life span4–5 years
Classification
- FamilyGadidae
- SpeciesTrisopterus minutus
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
- Angling Release: Use barbless hooks to allow quick, gentle release of these common bait-stealers.
- Identification Check: Look for a slender reddish-brown body and distinct barbel to separate from pouting.
Predator NOAA / Public Domain (NOAA) · Public Domain (NOAA)
Image unavailableClose Relative 
Close Relative marefred (iNat) / CC BY-SA 4.0 · CC BY-SA 4.0
Same Family Georges Jansoone / CC BY 3.0 · CC BY 3.0
Help improve the field guideSomething wrong?
Checking your Fauna account…Report a name, category, or profile issue for review.