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Entry 65Filed under Breeding

Is Cod a Pelagic Fish?

Adult Atlantic and Pacific cod are generally demersal, not pelagic, though cod can enter the water column and young Pacific cod occur throughout it.
1-minute read By Animalso Team
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Generally, no. Adult cod are usually demersal—they live on or near the seafloor—rather than pelagic. Cod can enter the water column in some circumstances, and the habitat of young Pacific cod differs from that of adults.

What do “pelagic” and “demersal” mean?

Pelagic describes fish that live in the water column, away from the bottom or shore; it does not mean they must stay near the surface. NOAA’s definition of pelagic fish makes that distinction. Demersal means associated with the seabed. The FAO describes Atlantic cod as “typically a bottom-living, or demersal, fish” (FAO: The Cod).

Where do adult cod live?

Atlantic cod

Atlantic cod generally live near the ocean floor, including around rocky slopes and ledges, according to NOAA Fisheries’ Atlantic cod profile. The FAO notes that habitat can become pelagic under some hydrographic conditions, or when cod are feeding or spawning. So “usually demersal” is more accurate than “never pelagic.”

Pacific cod

Adult Pacific cod also live near the ocean floor, commonly over mud, sand, and clay, according to NOAA Fisheries’ Pacific cod profile. Their depth varies with the season: NOAA describes winter habitat around 300 to more than 800 feet along the shelf edge and upper slope, while summer habitat is 300 feet deep or less.

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Does the answer change with age?

Yes. NOAA reports that Pacific cod larvae and small juveniles occur throughout the water column, while adults are near the seafloor. The adult classification should not be applied to every life stage.

So, is cod pelagic or demersal?

For adult Atlantic and Pacific cod, the best general description is demersal. They are bottom-associated, though they may enter the water column temporarily. Pacific cod also have early life stages found throughout the water column. The useful distinction is usual habitat—not a claim that every cod stays on the bottom at every moment.

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