Gadidae

Gadidae is a family of marine fish, included in the order Gadiformes, known as the cods, haddocks, hakes, pollocks, and their kin. They are found in the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. Gadidae includes about 22 genera and at least 555 species.

Characteristics

Members of the family Gadidae are characterized by the two dorsal fins and one anal fin. They are generally elongated, with a somewhat cylindrical body. The mouth is usually large, and the teeth are small. The coloration is often brownish or grayish above and paler below.

Distribution and habitat

Gadidae are found in the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. They are generally found in colder waters, near the polar regions. They are bottom-dwelling fish, found at depths from the shoreline down to about 600 meters.

Diet

Gadidae are carnivorous, feeding on smaller fish and invertebrates. Some species are also known to eat plankton.

Economic importance

Many species in the family Gadidae are important food fish. The most well-known is probably the Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua), which has been fished commercially for centuries. Other important species include the haddock (Melanogrammus aeglefinus), the pollock (Pollachius virens), and the hake (Merluccius merluccius).

Conservation status

Several species in the family Gadidae are considered threatened or endangered due to overfishing. The Atlantic cod, for example, has been classified as Vulnerable by the IUCN Red List.

See also

• List of fish families
• Commercial fishing
• Overfishing

References

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