Cod, Pacific
(Gadus macrocephalus)
(Gadus macrocephalus)
Tilesius, 1810; GADIDAE FAMILY; also called cod, gray cod, true cod
Occurs along the U.S. Pacific coast from Santa Monica, California to northwestern Alaska, and in Asia from the Chukchi Sea to the Yellow Sea and Lushun (Port Arthur), China. It is a common species off the U.S. northwest coast (Oregon, Washington and Alaska) and is most abundant at spawning time (winter and early spring) in coastal waters.
The Pacific cod is usually caught in waters deeper than 60 ft (18.3 m) up to 300 fathoms (550 m). It is a slightly smaller, but close relative of the Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua). Both are members of the true cod family (Gadidae) having three separate and distinct dorsal fins, two anal fins, and a single barbel under the chin. All the fins are soft rayed and the chin barbel is at least as long as the diameter of the eye. The scales are small and cycloid. Coloration ranges from gray to brown dorsally, lightening on the sides and belly. There are numerous brown spots on the sides and back. All the fins are dusky and the unpaired fins are edged with white on their outer margins (especially obvious on the caudal and anal fins).
Reported to weigh at least 40 lb (18.1 kg) with a length of 3 ft 9 in (114 cm) the average size is considerably smaller.
An excellent food fish and a good sport fish, the Pacific cod is usually taken by anglers using fish or cut bait
Occurs along the U.S. Pacific coast from Santa Monica, California to northwestern Alaska, and in Asia from the Chukchi Sea to the Yellow Sea and Lushun (Port Arthur), China. It is a common species off the U.S. northwest coast (Oregon, Washington and Alaska) and is most abundant at spawning time (winter and early spring) in coastal waters.
The Pacific cod is usually caught in waters deeper than 60 ft (18.3 m) up to 300 fathoms (550 m). It is a slightly smaller, but close relative of the Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua). Both are members of the true cod family (Gadidae) having three separate and distinct dorsal fins, two anal fins, and a single barbel under the chin. All the fins are soft rayed and the chin barbel is at least as long as the diameter of the eye. The scales are small and cycloid. Coloration ranges from gray to brown dorsally, lightening on the sides and belly. There are numerous brown spots on the sides and back. All the fins are dusky and the unpaired fins are edged with white on their outer margins (especially obvious on the caudal and anal fins).
Reported to weigh at least 40 lb (18.1 kg) with a length of 3 ft 9 in (114 cm) the average size is considerably smaller.
An excellent food fish and a good sport fish, the Pacific cod is usually taken by anglers using fish or cut bait
