Trisopterus minutus (Linnaeus, 1758)

Poor cod

The adult poor-cod is demersal and is understood to be more oceanic than its close relative, the bib. It is generally found in depths ranging between 30 and 300 m, with the younger fish found in shallow waters. Distribution ranges from the Trondheim Fjord in Norway south to Gibralter. Reproduction takes place from February to May at depths of 50 to 100 m in waters above 8° C (Whitehead et al., 1986a).

A member of the cod fish family, Trisopterus minutus typically grows to between 15 and 20 cm, and up to 26 cm. The poor cod is a brownish yellow dorsally with paler coppery sides and a silver ventral side. As with the bib, the upper jaw projects beyond the lower, and there is a barble on the chin (Whitehead et al., 1986a).

During the present survey, the poor cod were seen in and around the Trondheim reefs. They were generally hiding either in the reef itself or in the transitional zone between the reef and the seabed. They showed mixed reactions to the presence of the camera.

As with many of the codfish family, the poor cod is of commercial importance.

There is more information available for this species in FishBase.

Prepared by: Ecological Consultancy Services Ltd www.ecoserve.ie