The Pacific Cod fish is a bottom-dwelling fish which is found in the northwestern Pacific Ocean. It is mainly found on the continental shelf and upper slopes, to depths of about 900 meters.
It is actually a species of ray-finned fish in the family Gadidae. It is also known as Greyfish, Grayfish, Grey Cod and Gray Cod.
It is found in large schools and is an important commercial food source. Read some more information about this fish species below.
Pacific Cod Fish Characteristics
The Pacific Cod fish are similar in appearance to the Atlantic cod. They have 3 separate dorsal fins, and have whiskers on their lower jaw like catfish.
They have relatively broad head. They are dorsally brown to grey in color with spots or vermiculations, and ventrally paler. Yellow color phases are also known.
The fins are dusky. The anal and caudal fins are with white edges that are wider on anal and caudal than on dorsal.
Average body length of the mature fish is around 1 meter, with a maximum recorded length is 119 cm.
Average live body weight of the mature fish is around 15 kg, with a maximum recorded live body weight is 22.7 kg. Photo and info from Wikipedia.
Diet
The young probably feed on cepepods and smaller organisms. But the adult Pacific Cod fish are feed on fishes, octopi and large benthic and benthopelagic crustaceans, and also worms.
Breeding
Spawning of the Pacific Cod fish can vary depending on the environmental conditions. Generally a mature female can lay between 1 and 2 million eggs per spawning.
Uses
The Pacific Cod fish are mainly used for food.
Special Notes
The Pacific Cod fish are generally found around the rim of the North Pacific, from the Yellow Sea to the Bring Strait, along the Aleutians and south to about Los Angeles.
They are rather rare in the southern part of their range. This fish is a important food source for human consumption. It is generally marketed fresh and frozen, and also sold dried, smoked or salted.
The fish is generally eaten fried, broiled, boiled, steamed, baked and micro-waved. The fish is also used in Chinese medicine.
Maximum reported lifespan of this fish is 25 years. However, review full breed profile of this fish in the table below.
Name | Pacific Cod |
Kingdom | Animalia |
Phylum | Chordata |
Class | Actinopterygii |
Order | Gadiformes |
Family | Gadidae |
Genus | Gadus |
Species | G. macrocephallus |
Binomial Name | Gadus macrocephalus |
Other Names | Also known as Greyfish, Grayfish, Grey Cod and Gray Cod |
Breed Purpose | Mainly food |
Special Notes | Important source of food for human consumption, generally marketed fresh, frozen, dried, salted or smoked, used in Chinese medicine, maximum reported lifespan of this fish is 25 years |
Weight | Around 15 kg, but can reach about 22.7 kg |
Breeding Method | Natural |
Climate Tolerance | Native climates |
Body Color | Dorsally brown to grey in color with spots or vermiculations, and ventrally paler |
Rarity | Common |
Availability | Pacific Ocean |