Animal Profiles
Fish

Atlantic Cod

Gadus morhua

Living

Living individuals or members of this group exist today. This does not mean they are safe from extinction.

The Atlantic cod is a cold-water fish of the North Atlantic. Three dorsal fins, a pale lateral line and a single chin barbel help distinguish it from many other marine fishes.

Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua), the representative described here.

Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua), the representative described here.

Wilhelm Thomas Fiege · CC BY-SA

At a glance

Location
Atlantic cod occur on both sides of the North Atlantic, from northeastern North America and Greenland to European shelf seas. They use coastal and offshore habitats and often feed near the bottom.
Habitat
Coast, Open ocean
Diet
Carnivore
Food
Young cod eat small crustaceans and other invertebrates; larger fish take a wider range of prey, including fishes and molluscs.

Classification

Common name
Atlantic Cod
Browse group
Fish
Scientific name or taxon
Gadus morhua
Taxon rank
species
Order
Gadiformes
Family
Gadidae
Genus
Gadus
Source classification
Actinopterygii

Taxonomy checked against GBIF. For breeds and hybrids, this describes the listed parent taxon.

Three things to know

  • It has three dorsal fins.
  • A barbel hangs below the chin.
  • Its diet changes as it grows.

Habitat and range

Atlantic cod occur on both sides of the North Atlantic, from northeastern North America and Greenland to European shelf seas. They use coastal and offshore habitats and often feed near the bottom.

Appearance and adaptations

The mottled body varies from brownish to greenish or grey, with a paler underside. Three dorsal fins run along the back. A small barbel hangs beneath the chin.

Diet and behaviour

Young cod eat small crustaceans and other invertebrates; larger fish take a wider range of prey, including fishes and molluscs. Seasonal movements connect feeding and spawning areas.

Sources

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