Greenland cod facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Greenland cod |
|
|---|---|
 |
|
| Scientific classification |
The Greenland cod (Gadus ogac), also called ogac, is a type of ray-finned fish. It belongs to the cod family, called Gadidae. These fish have fins supported by bony rays.
Scientists have studied its DNA (genetic material). They think the Greenland cod might be the same species as the Pacific cod. The Greenland cod lives near the bottom of the ocean. You can find it on the continental shelf in the Arctic Ocean and the northwestern Atlantic Ocean. Its home stretches from Alaska to West Greenland. It also lives south along the Canadian coast to the Gulf of St. Lawrence and Cape Breton Island. People catch this fish for food. However, fewer Greenland cod are being caught now than in the past.
What is a Species?
Scientists use a system to name and group living things. This is called taxonomy. It helps us understand how different animals are related.
Recent studies of the Greenland cod's DNA suggest it is very similar to the Pacific cod. Some scientists believe they are actually the same species. If this is true, then Gadus ogac (Greenland cod) would be a junior synonym of Gadus macrocephalus (Pacific cod). A junior synonym means it's a newer name for something already named. However, some groups, like the ITIS, still list Gadus ogac as a separate, valid species.
Appearance and Habitat
The Greenland cod usually has a dull color. It can be tan, brown, or silvery. It looks much like other types of cod fish. It has a strong, heavy body. Its tail section, called the caudal peduncle, is usually thick. These fish can grow up to 77 centimeters (about 30 inches) long.
Greenland cod are bottom-dwelling fish. They live in coastal waters and on the continental shelves. This means they stay in shallower parts of the ocean, up to 200 meters (about 650 feet) deep. Their home range includes the Arctic Ocean and the Northwest Atlantic Ocean. You can find them from Alaska to West Greenland. They also live south along the Canadian coast. This includes the Gulf of St. Lawrence and Cape Breton Island. They generally live between 45 and 75 degrees north latitude.
The meat of the Greenland cod is white and flaky. It is firmer and tougher than the meat of the Atlantic cod. Because of this, it is not as popular for eating.
Fishing for Cod
People catch Greenland cod for food. This is called a fishery. The amount of Greenland cod caught has gone down a lot in recent years. This means there are fewer of these fish available. The FAO collects information on how much fish is caught around the world. Their data shows a big drop in Greenland cod catches since 1950.
