Gadus is the scientific designation for the genus of Cod fish. The most prevalent species of Cod fish is the Pacific Cod, known as Gadus Macrocephalus, which is located simultaneously in the eastern and western parts of the northern Pacific, and the Atlantic Cod, known as Gadus Morhua, which is located in the frigid regions of the North Atlantic.
Currently, the name “Cod” refers to all species in the genus Gadus, although it is also often used informally to refer to some individuals in the family Perciformes. Each type of Cod fish has an abdomen that is either white or a lighter shade of brown, which can fluctuate in hue from gray-green to crimson-brown.
Featured Image Credit: Thad Zajdowicz
Appearance
Cod fish 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.
Credit: svaned
Cod fish 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 lower jaw, which has a prominent chin barbel, is covered by the upper jaw. The intermediate eyes are around the same length as the chin barbel.
At specific water depths, the color of the Atlantic Cod can vary. Its two unique color stages are reddish brown and gray-green. It typically weighs between 11 – 26 lbs. However, records exist of examples that have reached 225 lbs. Compared to Atlantic Cod, Pacific Cod are smaller and have a deeper hue.
Diet
Because of their voracious and even cannibalistic diet, Cod fish 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 fish graze on tiny crustaceans like shrimp or amphipods at the ocean’s bottom. Cod fish don’t travel in huge schools, but when they’re looking for food, they do gather up in smaller groups.
Habitat
Cod fish are social creatures that form schools. However, shoaling is more common during the breeding season. The species of Atlantic Cod fish are found in the North Atlantic’s deep, frigid waters. East and west of the Pacific Ocean are indeed home to Pacific Cod fish.
Credit: Christine Ho
Atlantic Cod fish 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.
Reproduction
Though poor swimmers, Cod fish 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. Male Cod Fish flaunt their fins and grunt during the wooing process.
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 fish 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, thereby making them easy targets for other fish.
Credit: Ed Bierman
The population drop is also probably caused by pollution and climatic factors. The failure of the Cod fish population to rebound is attributed to certain types of seals, which are the Cod’s natural predators.
Facts about the Cod fish
- Cod fish can have a lifespan of 20-25 years.
- Due to human hunting, Atlantic Cod fish are in danger of going extinct and are thus considered vulnerable.
- The term “codling” can be used to describe a young Cod fish.
- Cod fish can grow up to 51 in and 77 lbs.
- Cod fish females can produce 5 to 10 million eggs when they spawn.
FAQs
How fast can a Cod fish swim?
Cod fish can swim at a top speed of 8.2-21 inches per second, or between 1-3 inches per second on average. Cod fish 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 fish?
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 a salmon and a Cod fish?
The size, color, and feel of the steaks are the main distinctions between salmon and Cod fish. Salmon is outclassed by Cod fish, which may weigh approximately ten times as much as salmon and grows considerably more slowly in the wild.
What class of animal does a Cod fish belong to?
The Actinopterygii class includes Cod fish. 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.
