Saffron cod facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Saffron cod |
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| Saffron cod juveniles | |
| Scientific classification | |
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Gadidae
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| Genus: |
Eleginus
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| Species: |
E. gracilis
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| Binomial name | |
| Eleginus gracilis (Tilesius, 1810)
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The saffron cod (Eleginus gracilis) is a type of fish. It is a close relative of other cod fish. This fish can be dark grey-green or brown. It has spots on its sides and a lighter belly. Saffron cod can grow up to 60 centimeters (about 2 feet) long. They can also weigh up to 1.3 kilograms (about 2.8 pounds).
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About the Saffron Cod
The saffron cod is a fascinating fish that lives in cold waters. It belongs to the same family as many other well-known cod species. Its unique colors help it blend into its ocean home. This fish is important to the ocean's food web. It also plays a role in fishing for people.
Where Saffron Cod Live
Saffron cod are found in the northern Pacific Ocean. They live near the coasts of Korea and Alaska. You can also find them beyond the Bering Strait. These fish usually stay in shallow coastal waters. They prefer depths less than 60 meters (about 200 feet). Sometimes, they can be found deeper, up to 200 meters (about 650 feet).
What's really cool is that saffron cod can live in different types of water. They can swim into brackish water. This is water that is a mix of fresh and salty water. They can even go into fresh water! You might find them quite far up rivers and streams. This ability helps them find food and safe places.
What Saffron Cod Eat
Saffron cod are predators. They hunt for their food in the ocean. Their diet mainly includes smaller fish. They also eat tiny sea creatures called crustaceans. Crustaceans are like small crabs or shrimp. Eating these different foods helps them grow big and strong.
Life Cycle of the Saffron Cod
Saffron cod start to become adults around their third year of life. This is when they are ready to reproduce. They lay eggs in the water. The young fish hatch and begin to grow. They will then start their own journey in the ocean. This life cycle helps keep the saffron cod population healthy.
Saffron Cod and People
People in many parts of the world fish for saffron cod. The biggest catches happen in the northwestern Pacific Ocean. Russia is the country that catches the most saffron cod. In Russia and Japan, people eat saffron cod. It is often sold fresh or frozen. This fish is a good source of food for many communities.
See also
In Spanish: Komai para niños
