Poor cod

Poor cod (Trisopterus minutus) is a species of marine fish belonging to the Gadidae family, which also includes well-known species such as the Atlantic cod and haddock. It is found in the northeastern Atlantic Ocean, particularly in the North Sea and the Barents Sea.

Description

The poor cod is a small, slender fish that typically grows to a length of 20-25 cm, although some individuals can reach up to 40 cm. It has three dorsal fins and two anal fins, a characteristic feature of the Gadidae family. The body color is generally brownish or greenish on the back and sides, fading to a lighter shade on the belly.

Distribution and Habitat

Poor cod are found in the northeastern Atlantic Ocean, from the Barents Sea in the north to the Bay of Biscay in the south. They are also found in the North Sea and the Baltic Sea. They inhabit depths of 10-200 meters, preferring sandy or muddy bottoms.

Diet

The diet of the poor cod consists mainly of small crustaceans, worms, and other benthic organisms. They are also known to eat small fish and squid.

Reproduction

Poor cod reproduce through spawning, which usually occurs between February and April. The eggs are pelagic, floating freely in the water column until they hatch.

Commercial Importance

While not as commercially important as other members of the Gadidae family, poor cod are still caught in some areas, mainly as bycatch in trawls targeting other species. They are usually sold fresh or frozen, or used as bait in other fisheries.

Conservation Status

The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has not evaluated the conservation status of the poor cod. However, like many marine fish species, they are potentially threatened by overfishing, habitat degradation, and climate change.

See Also

• Atlantic cod
• Haddock
• Gadidae