Gadus morhua (Linnaeus, 1758)
Cod
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Cod are found near the bottom or in intermediate water from the shore to depths in excess of 600 m, although they seem to prefer waters between 30 and 80 m. In the study area they are distributed in the North Atlantic from the Bay of Biscay north to Greenland, Spitzbergen and the Barents Sea. Spawning takes place over a wide area of the continental shelf within the 200 m line between February and April (Whitehead et al., 1986a).
Gadus morhua are distinguished from other members of the cod family by a light coloured, curved lateral line, long chin barble and over-hanging upper jaw. Colour is variable but generally sandy brown with distinct dense brown or grey mottling on dorsal and lateral surfaces. Size usually ranges from 50 to 80 cm (Whitehead et al., 1986a).
During the present survey, cod were observed swimming over the coral reefs on video footage from the Sula Reefs. They seemed to be the most active fish associated with the reef and were observed feeding on zooplankton in the camera light.
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Gadus morhua is the most important commercial fish in the cod fish family (Lythgoe and Lythgoe, 1991). However, the fishery is threatened from over exploitation and restrictions to control it are increasing.
There is more information on this species available on FishBase.
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