Codfish - Gadus morhua

Atlantic cod, Gadus morhua (Linnaeus, 1758), are one of the most popular food fishes in the western world. Distinguished by a distinctive elongated hairlike structure called a “barbel” that hangs from their chin, they also have three dorsal fins, two anal fins, and broom-shaped tails. Atlantic cod are longer-lived and larger than their Pacific counterpart, and may reach 25 years in age, 200 cm in length, and 96 kg in mass. (Most Atlantic cod, however, weigh closer to about 30 kg.) Atlantic cod are brown to green or gray on their dorsal (upper) sides and flanks, with a paler ventral (under) side and they have smooth, small scales.