The Atlantic Cod
“Gadus morhua”
An Article by Hannah Mackay with the Voice Fuerteventura
This fish is often eaten here in Fuerteventura, especially on Good Friday as this is predominantly a Catholic island. But how much do we really know about this species, other than what it tastes like?
There are 3 true species of cod; Atlantic, Pacific and Greenland Cod.
They inhabit the cold waters of the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans and even though there are some species of fish with cod in the name, such as rock cod, coral cod and reef cod, they are not genetically related with “true” cods.
WHERE TO FIND THEM
Adult cods can be found on the sea bottom between 2 and 60 metres down and have been a part of the human diet for centuries. This is down to its tasty white meat and the cod’s liver, which is a rich source of oil and contains vitamins E, A and D and omega-3 fatty acids.
The high demand for this fish has meant a fast decline in the number of fish still remaining in the wild, and at present the Atlantic Cod is officially listed as 'Vulnerable'.
WHAT TO LOOK FOR
Cod, on average, are 130cm’s in length and between 23-35kg. The back side of the body is a greenish-brown and the lateral sides of the body lighter with the belly white. They have a light line that runs from their gill slit and right along their side, called the lateral line. They use their gills to detect motion, vibrations and the pressure of the surrounding waters. They have 3 dorsal fins, 2 anal fins and 1 pair of pectoral fins. The beard like barbell on their chins acts like a sensory organ and is used to find food.
BEHAVIOUR
To survive in cold waters the Cod can produce a protein similar to anti-freeze and when it is pulled out of the water, the meat instantly begins to crystalize, as the fish isn’t producing the protein anymore. Cod have a carnivorous diet which includes eating other cods, sand eels, mackerels, haddock, molluscs, squids and crabs. Humans are the only natural enemies of adult cod. Cod tend to swim slowly and in large groups.
REPRODUCTION
Cod can travel up to 160km to reach breeding grounds during the mating season. Spawning takes place between January and April at depths of 660 feet. Males of the species display fins as part of a courtship. A new couple will then swim together during spawning. The female lays up to 5 million eggs, most of which are eaten by other sea creatures and fish. Those that survive hatch after 8-23 days. The larvae are only around 4mm and transparent, but increase 40 times in size after just 10 weeks. Cod become sexually mature at age 3-4 years and on average the lifespan of an Atlantic cod, living in the wild, is about 25 years.