Pacific cod
A large bottom-dwelling fish of the northern Pacific Ocean.
The Pacific cod is a ray-finned fish in the Gadidae family found on continental shelves across the North Pacific. It grows up to one metre long and supports major commercial fisheries regulated by strict quotas for trawling and hook fishing.
- Grows up to 1 m long and 15 kg in weight
- Found in large schools on the continental shelf
- Commercial catches are regulated by strict quotas
- Diet includes crabs, shrimp, clams and worms
What it is
This ray-finned fish belongs to the Gadidae family and resembles the Atlantic cod in appearance. It features three separate dorsal fins and distinct whisker-like barbels on its lower jaw. Adults can reach lengths of one metre and weigh up to fifteen kilograms. The body is adapted for life near the sea floor, where it moves in large schools across the continental shelf.
Where it lives
Its distribution covers the rim of the North Pacific Ocean. The range extends from the Yellow Sea in the west, across the Bering Strait and Aleutian Islands, down to Los Angeles in the east. These fish inhabit the continental shelf and upper slopes, dwelling at depths reaching nine hundred metres. Fossils indicate their presence in Canadian waters during the Pleistocene epoch.
How it lives
Pacific cod are bottom dwellers that feed on a variety of marine invertebrates and smaller vertebrates. Their diet includes clams, worms, crabs, shrimp, and juvenile fish. They are often found in huge schools, which helps them navigate their deep-water habitat. Molecular studies suggest they may be the same species as the Greenland cod.
Fish and people
This species is a significant source of food and supports substantial commercial fisheries. Catches in the Northeast Pacific rose sharply from the late twentieth century until strict regulations were introduced. Today, quotas limit harvesting via hook and line gear, pots, and bottom trawls to ensure sustainable yields for the industry.
Status and threats
The Salish Sea population is listed as a Species of Concern by the US National Marine Fisheries Service. This designation reflects concerns about status and threats, though data remains insufficient for listing under the Endangered Species Act. Management relies on quota systems to monitor and control fishing pressure across different gear types.
Questions people ask about Pacific cod
How big does the Pacific cod get?
Adults can grow up to one metre in length and weigh as much as fifteen kilograms. They are substantial bottom-dwelling fish found in the northern Pacific waters.
What do Pacific cod eat?
They feed on various bottom-dwelling creatures including clams, worms, crabs, and shrimp. They also consume juvenile fish, hunting along the continental shelf and upper slopes.
Is Pacific cod fishing regulated?
Yes, catches are tightly controlled through quotas. These limits apply to fisheries using hook and line gear, pots, and bottom trawls to manage the stock sustainably.
Good reading and sources
The facts on this page come from the Wikipedia article "Pacific 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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