Atlantic cod
A large, spotted marine fish vital to North Atlantic fisheries.
The Atlantic cod is a major food fish found across the North Atlantic Ocean. It supports commercial fisheries in Europe and North America but has faced severe stock collapses due to overfishing. Conservation status varies by region, with some populations recovering while others remain vulnerable.
- Can grow up to 180 cm and weigh 50 kg
- Listed as vulnerable on the IUCN Red List
- Stocks collapsed by over 95% in the 1990s
- Apex predator in the Baltic and North Sea
- Females can release up to 15 million eggs
What it is
The Atlantic cod is a large marine fish with brown or green colouring on its back, fading to silver on its belly. Distinctive spots cover the dorsal side, and a visible stripe runs along the lateral line, which helps detect vibrations. Adults typically measure between 100 and 140 centimetres, though specimens exceeding 180 centimetres have been recorded. It belongs to the family Gadidae and is one of three species in the genus Gadus.
Where it lives
This species inhabits the North Atlantic Ocean. In the west, it ranges from Cape Hatteras northwards to Greenland and the Labrador Sea. In the east, it is found from the Bay of Biscay to the Arctic Ocean, including the North Sea, Baltic Sea, and waters around Iceland. They live on the continental shelf, from shallow coastal areas down to depths of 300 metres.
How it lives
Atlantic cod are shoaling fish that move in large groups structured by size. Larger individuals often lead migrations and consume more varied diets. They are apex predators in many regions, feeding on herring, capelin, crustaceans, and squid. Juveniles hide in cobble or kelp to avoid predation, including from adult cod which may practice cannibalism. Swimming speeds vary with daylight, being faster during the day when they actively hunt.
Breeding and life cycle
Sexual maturity occurs between ages two and eight. Most populations spawn from January to May, often migrating to specific grounds separate from feeding areas. Males establish dominance hierarchies, and females choose partners based on status. Females are batch spawners, releasing between 200,000 and 15 million eggs in several batches. The eggs float freely, drifting with currents to nursery areas.
Fish and people
Humans have fished Atlantic cod for thousands of years. It is prepared as fresh fish, salted clipfish, or unsalted stockfish. Modern technology, such as sonar and factory trawlers, led to massive catches in the twentieth century. This intense pressure caused stock collapses in the 1990s, particularly in Canada and the United States, leading to fishing bans and significant economic impacts on local communities.
Status and threats
The International Union for Conservation of Nature lists the species as vulnerable, based on a 1996 assessment. However, a 2013 evaluation indicated a rebound in European populations, relabelling them as least concern. Northwest Atlantic stocks crashed by over 95 per cent in the 1990s and have struggled to recover due to changes in the food web and continued fishing pressure on related species.
Questions people ask about Atlantic cod
How big do Atlantic cod get?
They typically grow to 100–140 cm, but individuals over 180 cm and 50 kg have been caught. They can live for up to 25 years.
Why did the cod fishery collapse in Canada?
Overfishing using modern technology like sonar and large trawlers depleted stocks. A ban was implemented in 1992 after biomass dropped by more than 95 per cent.
What do Atlantic cod eat?
Their diet includes fish like herring and capelin, as well as crustaceans, squid, clams, and other invertebrates. Larger cod eat more fish, while smaller ones eat crustaceans.
Good reading and sources
The facts on this page come from the Wikipedia article "Atlantic cod", written by its contributors and used under the CC BY-SA 4.0 licence, and from its Wikidata record (CC0). EveryFish rewrote the text in its own words, with AI assistance, and compares every page with the article to make sure no passage is copied. It may be reused under the same CC BY-SA 4.0 licence with a link back.
It may contain mistakes, and figures change over time. Nothing here is investment or buying advice. If something is wrong, tell us. Last refreshed 2026-11-15.
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