Overview
The Pacific cod is usually caught in waters deeper than 60 ft (18.3 m) up to 300 fathoms (550 m). It is a slightly smaller, but close relative of the Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua). Both are members of the true cod family (Gadidae) having three separate and distinct dorsal fins, two anal fins, and a single barbel under the chin. All the fins are soft rayed and the chin barbel is at least as long as the diameter of the eye. The scales are small and cycloid. Coloration ranges from gray to brown dorsally, lightening on the sides and belly. There are numerous brown spots on the sides and back. All the fins are dusky and the unpaired fins are edged with white on their outer margins (especially obvious on the caudal and anal fins).
Taxonomy
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Chordata
- Class
- Actinopterygii
- Order
- Perciformes
- Family
- Gadidae
- Genus
- Gadus
- Species
- macrocephalus
Habitat
Occurs along the U.S. Pacific coast from Santa Monica, California to northwestern Alaska, and in Asia from the Chukchi Sea to the Yellow Sea and Lushun (Port Arthur), China. It is a common species off the U.S. northwest coast (Oregon, Washington and Alaska) and is most abundant at spawning time (winter and early spring) in coastal waters.
Diet
Pacific cod primarily feed on small fish such as herring, capelin, and sand lance, as well as crustaceans like shrimp and crabs, and occasionally mollusks like squid. They are bottom feeders that use their sensitive barbels to detect and capture prey on the ocean floor. Feeding activity is most intense during dawn and dusk when visibility is low.
Behavior
Pacific cod are schooling fish that often form loose groups, especially during migration and feeding. They are primarily benthic, spending most of their time near the ocean floor, and exhibit seasonal migrations to deeper waters in winter. These fish are generally solitary outside of spawning periods but can be territorial around food sources.
Fishing
An excellent food fish and a good sport fish, the Pacific cod is usually taken by anglers using fish or cut bait.
Conservation Status
Listed as Not Evaluated by IUCN.