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Arctic cod (Arctogadus glacialis) — Gadidae

Arctic cod

Arctogadus glacialis
Family: Gadidae

The Arctic cod (Arctogadus glacialis) is a saltwater fish of the family Gadidae that grows up to 33 cm.

Length
32.5 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
0.0–1000.0 m
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped
Substrate
Open water
Danger
Harmless
Edibility
Commonly eaten

Description

The Arctic cod is a cod (Gadidae) from the icy waters of the Arctic Ocean, often just below or near the pack ice. The species grows to about 32 cm and has an elongate, grey-brown body with three dorsal fins. Thanks to antifreeze compounds in its blood it tolerates temperatures around the freezing point of seawater. As an open-water predator it eats small zooplankton and small fish. It is a key prey for marine mammals and seabirds. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Arctic cod?

The Arctic cod has a torpedo-shaped body and is mainly brown.

Where does the Arctic cod live?

The Arctic cod lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around open water.

How big does the Arctic cod get?

The Arctic cod grows to a maximum of about 33 cm.

Is the Arctic cod dangerous to humans?

No, the Arctic cod is harmless to humans.

Is the Arctic cod edible?

Yes, the Arctic cod is commonly eaten.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
IJskabeljauw sourced
English name
Arctic cod sourced
Scientific name
Arctogadus glacialis
Family
Gadidae
Other names
Arctic cod; Artic cod; Cod; East Siberian cod; Polar cod verified

Appearance

Size class
Medium verified
Max length (cm)
32.5 verified
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Brown sourced
Tail shape
Forked inferred
Dorsal fins
Three separate sourced

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Saltwater sourced
Substrate
Open water sourced
Min depth (m)
0.0 verified
Max depth (m)
1000.0 verified
Origin
Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

Territorial
No inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes inferred
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred

For anglers

Edibility
Commonly eaten inferred
Fishing method
Te vangen met natuurlijk aas of kunstaas, afgestemd op de grootte en het leefgebied van de soort. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless verified

Status & sources

Sources
FishBase via GBIF (DwC-A), CC-BY-NC 4.0

More from the family Gadidae

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