Science & Nature • Fish

Atlantic cod

Atlantic cod (*Gadus morhua*) is a cold-water marine fish in the family Gadidae and one of the most important food fishes in the North Atlantic.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 27, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua) is a cold-water marine fish in the family Gadidae and one of the most important food fishes in the North Atlantic. It lives near the seafloor and ranges across waters from Greenland to Cape Hatteras on the western side of the Atlantic, and across northern Europe on the eastern side. In parts of its range, many stocks have declined because of heavy fishing pressure.

Taxonomy and description

Atlantic cod is a species of the cod family Gadidae, with the scientific name Gadus morhua. It is known for its large body, chin barbel, and multiple dorsal and anal fins.

Distribution and habitat

The species occurs throughout the cold waters of the North Atlantic. It typically lives near the seafloor in coastal waters and on continental shelves.

Ecology and life history

Atlantic cod feeds on fish and invertebrates and can live for more than 20 years. Spawning occurs near the sea floor, and females may release millions of eggs.

Human use and conservation

Atlantic cod has long been one of the most important commercial food fishes in the North Atlantic. Heavy exploitation has contributed to major stock declines in some regions, prompting management and recovery measures.

Key facts

Atlantic cod is a marine species widely used as food and is commercially important.
It inhabits cold waters of the North Atlantic, including areas from Greenland to North Carolina on the western side.
The species lives close to the ocean floor and is classed as a benthopelagic or demersal fish.
Several North Atlantic cod stocks have declined substantially and are the subject of rebuilding efforts.
Atlantic cod is historically important to Canada, especially Newfoundland and Labrador and the Atlantic provinces.

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Canadian context

Atlantic cod is historically important to Canada, especially Newfoundland and Labrador and the Atlantic provinces, where cod fisheries shaped coastal economies, food traditions, and conservation policy.

Frequently asked questions

What is Atlantic cod?

Atlantic cod is a cold-water marine fish, Gadus morhua, in the family Gadidae and one of the most important food fishes in the North Atlantic.

Where does Atlantic cod live?

It lives in the North Atlantic Ocean, including waters from Greenland to Cape Hatteras on the western side and across northern Europe on the eastern side.

What does Atlantic cod eat?

Atlantic cod eats a variety of fish and invertebrates.

How big can Atlantic cod get?

It can reach about 2 m in length and around 90 kg in weight.

Why is Atlantic cod important?

It has been a major commercial and cultural fish for centuries, especially in North America and Europe.

Are Atlantic cod stocks healthy?

Some regional stocks have declined dramatically, especially in parts of the Northwest Atlantic, and rebuilding efforts are ongoing.

References

NOAA Fisheries — https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/species/atlantic-cod
Supports: Range in the Northwest Atlantic, common areas, and recent stock declines.
Oceana Canada — https://oceana.ca/en/marine-life/atlantic-cod/
Supports: Scientific name, alternative names, and North Atlantic habitat.
Britannica Kids — https://kids.britannica.com/students/article/cod/273535
Supports: Scientific name, family, distribution, spawning, diet, and size.
Virginia Institute of Marine Science — https://www.vims.edu/research/departments/fisheries/programs/multispecies_fisheries_research1/speciesofinterest/species_gridpages/atlantic_cod.php
Supports: Range, maximum size, and general species description.
Canadian Geographic — https://www.canadiangeographic.ca/articles/animal-facts-atlantic-cod/
Supports: Canadian context, habitat, and size.