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Cod usually refers to Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua) and Pacific cod (Gadus macrocephalus), two distinct marine fish species. Both have a chin barbel and long lateral line, but their appearance, range, habitat and prey differ. Some fish with “cod” in their common name are not true cod, so a scientific name is useful when species-level precision matters.
Key takeaways
- Atlantic cod and Pacific cod are separate species in the genus Gadus.
- A chin barbel and long lateral line are useful identification clues. Atlantic cod are heavy-bodied; Pacific cod commonly have brown or gray patterned sides and white-edged dusky fins.
- Atlantic cod live in the North Atlantic; Pacific cod range across the coastal North Pacific.
- Cod eat fish and invertebrates, with prey varying by species and life stage.
- Not every fish called “cod” is a true cod. Common names such as lingcod and black cod can refer to fish outside the cod order.
What are cod fish?
Cod fish are marine fish commonly identified with the genus Gadus, especially Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua) and Pacific cod (Gadus macrocephalus). Both have a chin barbel and a long lateral line, but they are different species with different ranges and habitat patterns.
The word “cod” in a common name does not always mean a fish is a true cod or even belongs to the same taxonomic group. NOAA’s eastern North Pacific guide distinguishes lingcod, rockcods and black cod, also called sablefish, from true cods. Check the scientific name when the distinction matters.
Which fish are called cod?
Atlantic cod and Pacific cod are the two well-known true cod species covered here. NOAA identifies them as Gadus morhua and Gadus macrocephalus, respectively.
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| Species | Scientific name | Broad range | Useful identification clues |
|---|---|---|---|
| Atlantic cod | Gadus morhua | Northwest Atlantic, from Greenland to Cape Hatteras | Heavy body, large head, blunt snout, chin barbel and dark speckles |
| Pacific cod | Gadus macrocephalus | Coastal North Pacific, from the Bering Sea south to Southern California in the east and the Sea of Japan in the west | Brown or gray patterned sides, pale belly, long chin barbel and dusky fins with white edges |
See NOAA’s Atlantic cod profile and Pacific cod profile for species information.
What does a cod fish look like?
Atlantic cod have a heavy body, large head, blunt snout and a whisker-like barbel under the lower jaw. Their color can range from light yellowish-green to red or olive, often with dark speckles on the body, head, fins and tail. The belly is usually light and unspotted, and the lateral line is obvious. Individuals can change color.
Pacific cod are generally brown or grayish, with dark spots or patterns along the sides, a paler belly, a long chin barbel and dusky fins with white edges. Color can vary, so it should not be used as the sole identification test.
The chin barbel and lateral line are useful clues, but appearance alone may not settle a fish’s identity. Related fish can share traits, and a market fillet may no longer show features useful for identifying a whole fish. NOAA’s Atlantic cod profile and Pacific cod profile describe their identifying features.
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Is cod a saltwater fish, and where does cod live?
Yes. Atlantic and Pacific cod are marine fish. Their habitats differ by species, ocean basin, season, depth and bottom type.
| Species | Range | Habitat |
|---|---|---|
| Atlantic cod | Northwest Atlantic, from Greenland to Cape Hatteras; common in U.S. waters on Georges Bank and in the western Gulf of Maine | Near the ocean floor on rocky slopes and ledges. NOAA describes a preference for cold water around 30 to 500 feet deep and coarse sediment rather than fine mud and silt. |
| Pacific cod | Coastal North Pacific, from the Bering Sea south to Southern California in the east and the Sea of Japan in the west | Large juveniles and adults live near the ocean floor. They use deeper shelf-edge and upper-slope habitat in winter and shallower water in summer; bottom types include mud, sand and clay. Larvae and small juveniles occur throughout the water column. |
These are species-specific habitat descriptions, not a universal depth range for every fish called cod. NOAA’s Atlantic cod profile and Pacific cod profile provide further range and habitat information.
What do cod eat?
Cod eat a mix of fish and invertebrates, but the specific prey depends on species and life stage. Atlantic cod consume fish and invertebrates; crustaceans and fish are usually major prey for juvenile and adult Atlantic cod, and prey can live on or above the seafloor.
Pacific cod prey include clams, worms, crabs, shrimp and juvenile fish. These examples describe Pacific cod, not every fish called cod. NOAA’s Atlantic cod profile and Pacific cod profile, along with the FAO’s Atlantic cod account, support these diet descriptions.
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How big can cod get, and how long do they live?
NOAA Fisheries reports that Atlantic cod can reach up to 51 inches long and 77 pounds, and can live more than 20 years. Pacific cod can reach up to 6 feet long and live 20 years or less, according to NOAA Fisheries. These are reported maximums and lifespan statements, not typical measurements for every adult.
| Species | Reported maximum length | Reported weight or lifespan | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Atlantic cod | Up to 51 inches | Up to 77 pounds; lifespan over 20 years | NOAA Fisheries, Atlantic cod profile, accessed 2026 |
| Pacific cod | Up to 6 feet | Lifespan 20 years or less | NOAA Fisheries, Pacific cod profile, accessed 2026 |
What is the difference between cod, haddock, and pollock?
Atlantic cod, Pacific cod, haddock and Alaska pollock are distinct species, even though they are related fish and may all be sold as white fish. “Cod” in a common name can also refer to fish outside the true cod group, so use the species name when precision matters.
| Comparison | Cod | Haddock or Alaska pollock |
|---|---|---|
| Identity | Atlantic cod is Gadus morhua; Pacific cod is Gadus macrocephalus. | Distinct species with their own scientific names. |
| Relationship and naming | Atlantic and Pacific cod are true cod in the genus Gadus. | Haddock and Alaska pollock are related gadids; other fish with “cod” in a common name may not be true cod. |
| Appearance | Chin barbel, lateral line, body shape and color pattern can help identify whole fish. | Related fish can share some traits; appearance is not an infallible test. |
| Food | Commonly sold as white fish. | May also be sold as white fish, but species are not interchangeable. |
NOAA notes that Alaska pollock flesh is similar to other white fish such as cod and haddock. Similarity as food does not make them the same species. See NOAA’s Alaska pollock profile.
Why are cod important to fisheries?
Atlantic and Pacific cod are commercially important fish. In the United States, NOAA reports that 2024 commercial Atlantic cod landings totaled 1.4 million pounds, valued at $2.8 million, and recreational anglers landed 210,000 pounds. NOAA reports 2024 Pacific cod commercial harvest of approximately 375 million pounds, worth $106 million. These figures are specific to the species, country and year; they should not be read as global totals or as a measure of current abundance.
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Fishery and stock status depends on species, stock, location and management, and can change. Check NOAA’s current Atlantic cod profile or Pacific cod profile for current management information rather than generalizing about all cod.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What should shoppers check when buying cod?
Check the species name and origin rather than relying on the word “cod” alone. A label identifying Atlantic cod or Pacific cod is more informative than a generic white-fish description, especially when species identity or sourcing matters.
Fishery status and rules depend on the stock and location. For a specific seafood or fishing decision, consult a current regional source and local regulations.
FAQ
How do you identify a cod fish?
A chin barbel and long lateral line are useful clues. Atlantic cod are heavy-bodied with a large head and blunt snout; Pacific cod commonly have brown or gray patterned sides and dusky fins with white edges. Color varies, so use more than one feature.
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Where do cod live?
Atlantic cod live in the North Atlantic, including the Northwest Atlantic from Greenland to Cape Hatteras. Pacific cod live in coastal North Pacific waters, from the Bering Sea south to Southern California in the east and the Sea of Japan in the west.
What do cod eat?
Cod eat fish and invertebrates. Atlantic cod commonly prey on fish and crustaceans, while Pacific cod prey include clams, worms, crabs, shrimp and juvenile fish.
Are all fish called cod true cod?
No. Common names can be misleading: lingcod, rockcod and black cod or sablefish are examples NOAA distinguishes from true cods. A scientific name is the clearest way to check identity.
The Bottom Line
Cod commonly refers to Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua) and Pacific cod (Gadus macrocephalus). They share traits such as a chin barbel, but differ in appearance, range and habitat. Cod eat fish and invertebrates, and common names do not always identify a true cod, so check the species name when it matters.
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