Atlantic Cod

Gadus morhua

This may just be the most important food fish in the entire world. Tens of thousands of tons of this fish are caught each year. Atlantic Cod are usually 6 to 12 pounds, but specimens weighing over 200 pounds have been reported. Cod feed on a variety of animals, mostly mollusks, sea squirts, and other fishes.

Look For : A brown to grayish-green codfish with 3 dorsal and 2 anal fins. Forked tail. Well-developed chin barbel. Small, dark spots on back.

Length : 5'.

Habitat : Ocean to depths of 200-360' in summer; to 1,200' in winter.

Range : Greenland to North Carolina.