Atlantic Cod
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
Category
FishRarity
Common
Danger
2/5 · Low
Snaps
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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
Ability
Whisker Radar
Atlantic Cod has a sensitive barbel (a chin whisker) that helps them sniff out tasty treats on the dark ocean floor.
Ability
Chameleon Skin
Atlantic Cod can slightly change their spotted skin color to blend in perfectly with sandy or rocky seabed environments.
Ability
Mega Egg Producer
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
- Maximum 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
Wildlife encompasses all undomesticated animal and plant life existing in their natural habitats.
Piscivorous
Piscivorous organisms are animals that primarily subsist on a diet of fish.
Thermoregulating
Thermoregulating organisms maintain a stable internal body temperature despite fluctuations in the external environment.
Ancient Lineage
This trait signifies organisms belonging to a very old evolutionary group with ancestors dating back millions of years.
Longevous
This trait characterizes organisms with an exceptionally long lifespan compared to others of their kind.
Aquatic
Aquatic habitats encompass environments where organisms live predominantly in water, including oceans, rivers, lakes, and wetlands.
Marine
Marine habitats encompass all saltwater environments of the Earth's oceans, supporting an immense diversity of aquatic life.
Migratory
Migratory animals undertake seasonal movements from one region to another, typically in response to changes in climate or food availability.
Also known as
CodGadus morhua
Collections
Safety
Danger
2/5 · Low
Watch quietly from a distance and never try to feed or chase wild animals.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is Atlantic Cod?
50-200 cm
How much does Atlantic Cod weigh?
5-96 kg
How long does Atlantic Cod live?
10-25 years
What does Atlantic Cod eat?
Atlantic Cod are hungry predators, eating lots of smaller fish and shellfish found on the ocean floor.
How fast can Atlantic Cod swim?
25 km/h
Where is Atlantic Cod usually found?
Cold ocean waters
How does Atlantic Cod hunt?
Foraging
How deep can Atlantic Cod go?
600 m
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