Pelagic cod

Pelagic cod is a type of cod that lives in the pelagic zone of ocean or sea water bodies. Unlike their relatives, the demersal cod, pelagic cod are not associated with the sea floor or the coast.

Description

Pelagic cod are medium to large in size, with a typical length of 70-100 cm. They have a streamlined body, designed for fast swimming. The body color is typically silver, with a darker back. The dorsal fin is long and continuous, while the anal fin is short and located far back on the body.

Distribution and habitat

Pelagic cod are found in the cold waters of the North Atlantic and the Barents Sea. They prefer the open ocean and are usually found at depths of 200-500 meters, although they can go as deep as 1000 meters.

Diet

The diet of pelagic cod consists mainly of plankton, small fish, and squid. They are active hunters and can cover large distances in search of food.

Reproduction

Pelagic cod reproduce through spawning, where the female releases eggs into the water, which are then fertilized by the male. The eggs float in the water column until they hatch into larvae.

Commercial importance

Pelagic cod are an important species for commercial fishing. They are caught mainly with trawl nets. The meat is white and firm, with a mild flavor, and is used in a variety of dishes.

Conservation status

The conservation status of pelagic cod is not well known, but they are thought to be vulnerable to overfishing due to their slow growth and late maturity.

See also

• Cod
• Pelagic fish
• Demersal fish