Latin name

Ophiodon elongatus

Other names

Cultus cod, blue cod, buffalo cod, green cod, ling; Finnish: vihersimppu; French: terpuga; Japanese: ainame; Portuguese: lorcha; Swedish: grönfisk.

Identification

The lingcod has a large mouth, large pectoral fins, smooth body, and a long, continuous dorsal fin divided by a notch into prickly and soft parts. Adults have large heads and jaws and long, pointed teeth. Young individuals have a slender body. The coloration of the Lincode is usually brown or gray, with spots outlined in orange or blue, and is closely related to its habitat.

Distribution

Lingcod is found in North American waters from Southern California to Alaska, but is most abundant in the colder waters of the north.

Habitat

Lingcod lives in the cold waters of tidal reefs and kelp where there are strong tidal currents. They prefer depths of 2 to more than 70 fathoms above the rock bottom.

Size

Lingcod can grow to 50 inches or more. Males are smaller than females, usually reaching no more than 3 feet in length and 20 pounds in weight. Generally sexually mature by age 8, the male weighs about 10 pounds and the female about 15. The record catch on all tackle is 76 pounds 9 ounces.

Life history and Behavior

Spawning occurs in winter, from December to February, when eggs in large pinkish-white masses fall into rock crevices. The eggs can contain more than half a million eggs and are often found in the intertidal zone. The male protects the eggs, which hatch in 1-2 months. The young keep on the surface for 3-4 months, after which they sink to the bottom.

Food and feeding habits

Adults eat herring, flounder, cod, hake, grind, rockfish, squid, crustaceans, and small lingcod. Juveniles consume small crustaceans and fish.

Reproduction

No information