ExploreFish

Atlantic Cod

Gadus morhua

Atlantic Cod are large, strong fish that live in the ocean. They have a light-colored body with dark spots and are popular among fishermen.

Habitat: Cold ocean waters

Appearance

The Atlantic Cod is a medium-sized fish, typically olive-green to brown with distinct spots and a white belly. It has a prominent pale lateral line and a unique whisker-like barbel on its chin, which helps distinguish it.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumChordataClassActinopterygiiOrderGadiformesFamilyGadidaeGenusGadus

Atlantic Cod

Interesting facts

Atlantic Cod have been found living in the ocean at depths greater than 2,000 feet!

Cod can make grunting and drumming sounds using special muscles in their body!

Some Atlantic Cod migrate thousands of miles to find food or places to lay eggs!

Their big liver is full of healthy oils, making cod liver oil famous worldwide!

Special abilities

Atlantic Cod has a sensitive barbel (a chin whisker) that helps them sniff out tasty treats on the dark ocean floor.

Atlantic Cod can slightly change their spotted skin color to blend in perfectly with sandy or rocky seabed environments.

Atlantic Cod can lay millions of tiny eggs each year, helping to ensure there are always new cod in the ocean.

Measurements & details

Length: 50-200 cm
Weight: 5-96 kg
Lifespan: 10-25 years
Swim Speed: 25 km/h
Max Depth: 600 m
Water Type: Saltwater

Diet & Feeding

Atlantic Cod are hungry predators, eating lots of smaller fish and shellfish found on the ocean floor.

Age differences: Young cod eat small crustaceans, then larger invertebrates, finally mostly fish as adults.

Primary Foods

capelin
herring
haddock
shrimp
crabs
sand lance

Foraging Method

Foraging

Ecological connections

eats

Capelin

Mallotus villosus

A key prey species for adult cod.

eats

Atlantic Herring

Clupea harengus

An important food source for larger cod.

eats

Haddock

Melanogrammus aeglefinus

Cod are known to prey on smaller haddock.

eaten by

Harbor Seal

Phoca vitulina

Seals prey on adult and juvenile cod.

eaten by

Orca

Orcinus orca

Orcas are apex predators that eat large fish like cod.

Traits

Wildlife

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Piscivorous

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Thermoregulating

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Ancient Lineage

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Longevous

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Aquatic

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Marine

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Migratory

Follow incredible journeys across the world! These animals travel far and wide at different times of the year, often to find better food or warmer places.