Quick answer
Atlantic cod is a cold-water groundfish that shaped the economies of Newfoundland, Iceland, and New England for centuries before overfishing collapsed many stocks. Growing to 40 kg (88 lb) and living 25 years, it supports fisheries where recovered and remains Vulnerable in the northwest Atlantic.
Key takeaway
Atlantic cod is a cold-water groundfish that shaped the economies of Newfoundland, Iceland, and New England for centuries before overfishing collapsed many stocks. Growing to 40 kg (88 lb) and living 25 years, it supports fisheries where recovered and remains Vulnerable in the northwest Atlantic.
Atlantic Cod overview
Atlantic Cod (Gadus morhua) is an fish listed here as Vulnerable. Typical weight 2–40 kg (4–88 lb); most market fish 2–8 kg; lifespan around Up to 25 years in the wild.
Atlantic Cod ecology
Diet: Carnivore — fish, crustaceans, and worms. Habitat: Cold continental shelf waters of the North Atlantic. Movement and social systems reflect those pressures across the native range.
Atlantic Cods and people
Learn before you travel or keep related pets. Wild atlantic cods are not toys; captive care needs species-specific husbandry.
Status and further reading
Conservation label in our guides: Vulnerable. See the full Atlantic Cod profile for taxonomy, FAQs, and related topic guides on this site.
Historic fishery collapse
Northwest Atlantic cod stocks crashed in 1992 when Canada's Grand Banks fishery closed — one of history's most famous fishery collapses after centuries of seemingly unlimited harvest. Recovery has been partial and slow, illustrating how even prolific species can be depleted.
Barbel and bottom feeding
A whisker-like barbel on the chin helps cod detect prey on the seafloor — worms, crabs, and smaller fish. Cod migrate between shallow spawning grounds and deeper feeding areas, historically forming dense shoals that made them easy targets for trawlers.
Sources
Atlantic Cod FAQs
What are key facts about atlantic cods?
Atlantic cod is a cold-water groundfish that shaped the economies of Newfoundland, Iceland, and New England for centuries before overfishing collapsed many stocks. Growing to 40 kg (88 lb) and living 25 years, it supports fisheries where recovered and remains Vulnerable in the northwest Atlantic.
What is the scientific name of the atlantic cod?
Gadus morhua — used in research and conservation listings for atlantic cods.
What do atlantic cods eat?
Atlantic Cods eat fish, crustaceans, and worms, with seasonal and regional variation in Cold continental shelf waters of the North Atlantic.
Where do atlantic cods live?
They are associated with Cold continental shelf waters of the North Atlantic. Local presence depends on food, cover, and human land use.
What is the conservation status of atlantic cods?
Listed in our guides as Vulnerable. Check the IUCN Red List and national assessments for the latest formal category.