Gadidae
The Gadidae, commonly known as cods, are a family of perciform fish. They are characterized by their elongated bodies, three dorsal fins, two anal fins, and a barbel (whiskers) on their chin. Cods are found in both saltwater and freshwater environments, but most species are marine. They are a commercially important group of fish, with several species being heavily fished for food.
Common Names
Members of the Gadidae family are commonly known as cods, but they also go by other names depending on the species, including:
- Haddock
- Whiting
- Pollack
- Ling
- Burbot
Characteristics
Gadidae share several defining characteristics, including:
- Elongated body: Their bodies are typically long and slender.
- Three dorsal fins: They have three distinct dorsal fins along their back.
- Two anal fins: They possess two anal fins on their underside.
- Barbel: A single barbel, or whisker, protrudes from their chin, used for sensing prey.
- Scales: They have small, cycloid scales, meaning they are rounded and smooth.
- Swim bladder: Most cods possess a swim bladder, an air-filled sac that helps regulate buoyancy.
Environments
Gadidae are found in a variety of marine environments, including:
- Coastal waters: They are common along coastlines, particularly in temperate and cold regions.
- Deep sea: Some species inhabit deeper waters, up to 1,000 meters (3,300 feet) below the surface.
- Freshwater: While mostly marine, the burbot (Lota lota) is a freshwater species found in lakes and rivers.
References
For further information, please refer to the following reliable sources: