The Atlantic cod is an open ocean fish found on both sides of the North Atlantic. Cod are similar to their relatives, the Atlantic haddock and Atlantic pollock.
In the Northwest Atlantic cod occur from Greenland to North Carolina. Cod are also found off the coast of Iceland; and along the coasts of Europe from the Bay of Biscay to the Barents Sea. The northeast Arctic or Arcto-Norwegian stock is known to be the world’s largest population of Atlantic cod.
Atlantic cod are brown to green or gray on the dorsal side and flanks, with a pale ventral side and smooth, small scales. The fish are recognized by their “barbell” that hangs from its chin, three dorsal fins, two anal fins, and a broom-shaped tail.
Atlantic cod occasionally reach lengths in excess of 5 to 6 feet and live up to 25 years. Offshore cod tend to be larger than fish caught from inshore areas. Cod typically weigh 25 pounds and may be 40 to 42 inches in length. They feed on prey such as herring, capelin, shrimp, krill, sand eels, and crabs.
Cod can be baked, broiled, poached, fried, made into cakes or chowder or salted for long term storage. Fresh or frozen cod are highly prized for making fish and chips.
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