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Metallic codling (Physiculus sterops) — Moridae

Metallic codling

Physiculus sterops
Family: Moridae

The Metallic codling (Physiculus sterops) is a saltwater fish of the family Moridae that grows up to 20 cm.

Length
20 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
95.0–300.0 m
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom
Danger
Harmless

Description

The Metallic codling is a deep-sea cod (Moridae) from cold, deep waters of the deep Indo-West Pacific. The species grows to about 20 cm and has an elongate, reddish to greyish body with large eyes, a chin barbel and long dorsal and anal fins. As a bottom-oriented fish of the continental slope it searches over sand and mud for small crustaceans, worms and small fish. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Metallic codling?

The Metallic codling has an elongate, eel-like body and is mainly red-orange.

Where does the Metallic codling live?

The Metallic codling lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom.

How big does the Metallic codling get?

The Metallic codling grows to a maximum of about 20 cm.

Is the Metallic codling dangerous to humans?

No, the Metallic codling is harmless to humans.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Sterops-diepzeekabeljauw sourced
English name
Metallic codling sourced
Scientific name
Physiculus sterops
Family
Moridae

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
20 inferred
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like) sourced
Dominant colour
Red / orange inferred
Tail shape
Straight inferred
Barbels
Yes sourced

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Saltwater sourced
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom sourced
Min depth (m)
95.0 verified
Max depth (m)
300.0 verified
Origin
Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

Territorial
No inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes inferred
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred

For anglers

Fishing method
Klein van stuk en nauwelijks een hengelsportdoel; wordt vooral incidenteel of als aasvis gevangen. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless verified

Status & sources

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

Same genus Physiculus

More from the family Moridae

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