North Atlantic Cod

A detailed Summary of North Atlantic Cod

The North Atlantic Cod (Gadus morhua) is on of 59 species of the family Gadidae. Since the discovery of the New World, the North Atlantic Cod has been the dominant commercial fishery species of the Northwest Atlantic.

This particular species of Cod have three fins on their back, and two fins on the underside near the tale. The North Atlantic Cod is a bottom dwelling fish that inhabits cold waters. They are capable of living up to 22 years. Most adult Cod range from 2-3 feet in length and 5-25 pounds. But cod up to 6 feet and 212 pounds have been recorded. They are capable of living up to 22 years. The Cod is a major food fish, 2nd only to the herring. The North Atlantic Cod migrate in response to seasonal change in water temperature. Cod also migrate to search for food. Mature cod eat small fish, squid, and shellfish. Small cod usually feed on worms and small shrimp.

Like most fish, the North Atlantic Cod have special times and places to lay eggs. The female cod normally lay their eggs between January and March. Some of the most important spawning grounds are found in offshore banks off of the coast of New England, along the coasts of Greenland and Iceland, Hamilton Bank and the Grand Bank of Newfoundland. Other tradit

In closing, the numbers of the Atlantic Cod have fallen to historically low levels throughout the Atlantic. Over-fishing has been the most important factor, however it may have been aided by environmental changes. Since the fishing regulations by the U.S. and Canadian governments were imposed in the early 1990's the North Atlantic Cod stocks have remained at very low levels with little or no sign of improvement. Whatever the cause may be, good environmental conditions will be necessary for the stocks to rebuild. Also, with no older cod to show young cod the migration roots, they may never be able to reestablish their populations in traditional areas.

The water temperature plays an important part in the North Atlantic Cod's reproductive process. The cod, like most species of fish, have their own favorite temperature range for spawning. Eggs at 32F will hatch in approximately 40 days and eggs at 41F. If the temperature is not to their liking they will not spawn at all. These eggs are very sensitive to heat and cold; and if the temperature changes just a few degrees, it could kill them. Cod Eggs hatch as they float in the ocean.

Cod Eggs hatch as they float in the ocean. Of the million eggs laid, only a small portion will survive. The surviving eggs float for ten to twenty days until they hatch.

Here in the United States, the demand for cod increased sharply after the introduction of precooked food. Since the ear

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Category: Miscellaneous