Species · GBIF taxon 8084280
Atlantic Cod
Gadus morhuaAlso known as Cod, Codling
Atlantic cod are heavy-bodied marine fish distinguished by a prominent chin barbel, three dorsal fins, and a pale lateral line curving above their pectoral fins. They are highly adaptable predators that patrol the cold seafloors of the North Atlantic, feeding on a wide variety of invertebrates and smaller fish. Historically forming massive schools, their populations have been profoundly shaped and depleted by centuries of intensive commercial fishing.
MarineCold-waterSchooling
Licensed referenceNOAA / Public Domain (NOAA) · Public Domain (NOAA)
—observations
—countries
—peak records
VulnerableConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXVulnerableRed List categories, explained →
Diet & prey
- Atlantic herring
- Capelin
- Sand eels
Predators
- Harbor seals
- Greenland sharks
- Atlantic halibut
ThreatsOverfishing, climate change warming their cold-water habitats, and habitat destruction from bottom trawling
HabitatsCold temperate to subarctic marine waters, from the shoreline down to the continental shelf
Life spanUp to 25 years
Size / weightNot available
Classification
- FamilyGadidae
- SpeciesGadus morhua
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.
- What to notice
- Look for a prominent chin barbel, three distinct dorsal fins, and a pale, curved lateral line along their speckled flanks.
- Support conservation
- Practice catch-and-release with circle hooks to minimize injury, and strictly adhere to local conservation regulations.
Responsible observation
- Responsible Angling: Follow local catch limits and seasonal closures to help rebuild vulnerable populations.
- Diving Encounters: Look for them near shipwrecks, rocky reefs, and kelp forests in cold northern waters.
Competitor Unknown / CC-BY · cc-by
Prey (c) Simon Rolph, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Simon Rolph · cc-by
Predator Charles J. Sharp / CC BY-SA 4.0 · cc-by-sa
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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