Pacific cod (Gadus macrocephalus)

Scientific name: Gadus macrocephalus Tilesius, 1810

The Pacific cod (Gadus macrocephalus) is a marine fish of the family Gadidae. In the aquarium it needs water at 6–9°C (43–48°F). Native range: North Pacific, Yellow Sea to the Bering Strait, along the Aleutians, and south to about Los Angeles, USA. Rare in the southern part of its range.

Pacific cod care at a glance

Temperature: 6–9°C (43–48°F)

Biology

Found mainly along the continental shelf and upper slopes. Forms schools. Appears to be indiscriminate predators upon dominant food organisms present. Young probably feed on copepods and similar organisms. Adults feed on fishes, octopi, and large benthic and benthopelagic crustaceans; also worms. Marketed fresh and frozen for human consumption, and also dried or salted and smoked. Eaten steamed, fried, broiled, boiled, micro-waved and baked. Used in Chinese medicine. The Bering Sea and Aleutian Island Alaska (Pacific) Cod - Freezer Longline fishery of this species has been certified by the Marine Stewardship Council (http://www.msc.org/) as well-managed and sustainable (http://www.msc.org/html/content_1243.htm).

Source: FishBase, licensed CC BY-NC 4.0.

Species facts

Scientific name: Gadus macrocephalus
Family: Gadidae (Cods and haddocks)
Order: Gadiformes (Cods)
Class: Actinopterygii (Ray-finned fishes)
Maximum length: 119
Depth range: 0–1280 m (0–4199 ft)
Environment: Marine; demersal; oceanodromous; depth range 0 - 1280 m, usually 100 - 400 m
Climate: Temperate
Distribution: North Pacific: Yellow Sea to the Bering Strait, along the Aleutians, and south to about Los Angeles, USA. Rare in the southern part of its range.
Conservation status (IUCN): Not Evaluated
Threat to humans: Harmless
Uses: Fisheries: highly commercial; gamefish: yes
Resilience: Low, minimum population doubling time 4.5 - 14 years (Musick et al. 2000)

Sources

Taxonomy, distribution and biology data: FishBase (Froese, R. and D. Pauly, eds.), licensed CC BY-NC 4.0.

Last updated 27 September 2026