Latin name

Arctogadus glacialis

Other name

Polar cod

Identification

Arctic cod are characterized by a thin body, a deeply bifurcated tail, a protruding mouth, large eyes, and teeth on the palate. These fish are distinguished from other cod species by the absence of a chin tendril.

Features of fish fins

Dorsal spines (total): 0; Anal spines: 0.

Fish colouring

The Arctic cod has a simple coloration with a brownish spotted upper body and a silvery lower body. Its fins, which resemble those of the common cod, are almost black with a pale stripe at the base.

Distribution

This species is widespread in the western Arctic Basin and off the northwest and northeast coasts of Greenland. Its range extends from 85°N to 72°N latitude.

Habitat

Deep-sea bathypelagic species. Habitat depths range from 0 to 1000 m, often found under ice.

Size

The maximum length of males of this species is 32.5 cm (12.8 inches).

Behavior

Occurs in ice (cryopelagic or pontic), mostly in coastal waters, on or off the continental shelf. Never migrates.

Food and feeding habits

Arctic cod in the ice-free area off northeast Greenland were found to feed almost exclusively on pelagic prey (mainly paddlefish, amphipods and mysids).

Reproduction

An egg-laying, sexually dimorphic species.

Fishing

This species is of negligible commercial value.

Relationship with a person

Harmless.