Cod are popular and important seafood species found in colder waters and deeper sea regions around North America and Europe. Known for their mild flavor and dense, flaky white flesh, codfish have been widely consumed for centuries and have played significant roles in history and economy.
Their broad, flat heads and large eyes give them a distinctive appearance among other fish species. Overall, the shape and features of cod are well-adapted for their deep-sea habitat and predatory lifestyle. It is a versatile fish that can be cooked in various ways, including baking, frying, or grilling.
Read on to explore more about this fascinating marine creature.
Appearance
Cod are known for their elongated, torpedo-shaped bodies that can grow up to 2 meters in length. They have a distinct barbel or whisker-like structure on their chin, which they use to search for prey on the ocean floor.
They have a prominent white side stripe that extends from the gill opening above the pectoral fin to the bottom of the tail fin. The rear typically has significant slight discoloration and ranges in color from greenish to brown, and then lighter, especially near the sides and abdomen. For rocky areas, dark brown pigmentation on the rear and flanks is typical.
Cod have two anal and three curved dorsal fins. The pelvic fins are tiny and located ahead of the pectoral fins, underneath the gill covers, with the initial ray protruding. The intermediate eyes are around the same length as the chin barbel.
There are two common types of cod:
- Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua), which lives in the colder waters and deeper sea regions throughout the North Atlantic. Its liver oil is the primary source of cod liver oil.
- Pacific cod (Gadus macrocephalus), found in both eastern and western regions of the northern Pacific.
Habitat
The species of Atlantic Cod are found in the North Atlantic’s deep, frigid waters. East and west of the Pacific Ocean are indeed home to Pacific Cod.
Atlantic Codfish inhabit a variety of habitats, preferring rugged terrain, particularly nearshore, and are demersal, reaching typical depths between 20 and 200 ft. However, it is not unusual for them to reach depths of 2,000 ft.
Cod are social creatures that form schools. However, shoaling is more common during the breeding season.
Diet
Because of their voracious and even cannibalistic diet, Cod are definite predators. They eat a wide range of animals, such as invertebrates, smaller fish, and crustaceans. Smaller fish such as haddock, mackerel, whiting, worms, mussels, mollusks, lobsters, crabs, squid, and sand eels. Specifically, the diet of the Atlantic Cod is varied consuming animals as well as plants.
Typically, it eats around sunrise and sunset. Young Cod graze on tiny crustaceans like shrimp or amphipods at the ocean’s bottom.
Cod don’t travel in huge schools, but when they’re looking for food, they do gather up in smaller groups.
Reproduction
Though poor swimmers, Cod will migrate up to 200 miles during the breeding cycle to reach their breeding sites. Although they may breed all year, throughout the spring and winter, they move to warmer waters. Throughout January to April, reproduction takes place, with March and April becoming the peak times.
An average female may produce 500 million eggs. Males battle to develop eggs after they are laid in sets by the females. After ten weeks, they grow in mass because they feed on phytoplankton and zooplankton before moving on to small invertebrates. When they achieve a length of 20 in, which occurs between 2 and 4 years, they attain full sexual development.
Threats
The massive fall in the Cod population has been caused by overfishing, but other extremely significant issues are to blame for its inability to rebound. One issue of concern is the destruction of their habitat. The “bottom trawling” method of fishing, which involves searching the sea floor for fish, reduces the Cod’s food sources and makes it harder for juvenile cod to remain on the bottom, making them easy targets for other fish.
The population drop is also probably caused by pollution and climatic factors. The failure of the Cod population to rebound is attributed to certain types of seals, which are the Cod’s natural predators.
More Quick Facts About Cod
- Cod can have a lifespan of 20-25 years.
- Due to human hunting, Atlantic Cod are in danger of going extinct and are thus considered vulnerable.
- The term “codling” can be used to describe a young Cod.
- Cod can grow up to 51 in and 77 lbs.
- Cod females can produce 5 to 10 million eggs when they spawn.
FAQs
How fast can a Cod swim?
Cod can swim at a top speed of 8.2-21 inches per second, or between 1-3 inches per second on average. Cod have to swim faster when looking for prey, especially during the day. At several periods of the year, their swimming pace fluctuates as sunlight provides them the energy to move quicker.
How big is a Cod?
In comparison to most other fish found in water, a cod is larger and heavier. It may use its bulk to its advantage in order to find food. Its length is 51 in, and it typically weighs between 55 and 70 lb.
What is the difference between salmon and cod?
The size, color, and feel of the steaks are the main distinctions between salmon and Cod. Salmon is outclassed by Cod, which may weigh approximately ten times as much as salmon and grows considerably more slowly in the wild.
What class of animal do Cod belong to?
The Actinopterygii class includes Cod. Cod comes in two basic varieties. Pacific cod is located on the eastern and western edges of the Atlantic, whereas Atlantic cod is found in the North Atlantic sea waters.
