Species · GBIF taxon 2415906
Poor Cod
Trisopterus minutusAlso known as Power Cod
Poor cod form active, shimmering shoals just above muddy or sandy seabeds, darting through the dim light of the eastern Atlantic. These small, warm-toned fish are easily recognized by their copper-brown backs, pale bellies, and a prominent sensory barbel dangling from the lower jaw. While they hold little commercial value, they play a vital role in the marine food web as a primary food source for larger predatory fish and marine mammals.
MarineShoalingBottom-Dwelling
Licensed referenceGervais & Boulart 1877 / Public Domain · Public Domain
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Diet & prey
- Shrimp
- Amphipods
- Polychaete Worms
Predators
- Atlantic Cod
- Whiting
- Harbour Porpoise
ThreatsBycatch in commercial trawls and localized habitat degradation
HabitatsSandy and muddy sea floors, coastal waters, and deep estuaries
Life spanUp to 5 years
Size / weightNot available
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
- Angler Etiquette: Handle gently with wet hands and release quickly if caught as bycatch.
- Diver Observation: Look for them hovering in small groups just above sandy depressions or near shipwrecks.
Competitor and Predator Georges Jansoone / CC BY 3.0 · CC BY 3.0
Image unavailableClose Relative 
Close Relative marefred (iNat) / CC BY-SA 4.0 · CC BY-SA 4.0
Family Member NOAA / Public Domain (NOAA) · Public Domain (NOAA)
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