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Austral cod

Guttigadus kongi
Family: Moridae

The Austral cod (Guttigadus kongi) is a saltwater fish of the family Moridae that grows up to 15 cm.

Length
15.3 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
55.0–1500.0 m
Diet
Carnivore
Behaviour
Small groups
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom
Danger
Harmless
Range
Temperate waters of the southern hemisphere; continental and insular slopes and seamounts.
Edibility
Not eaten

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Description

Kong's cod is a deep-water fish of the morid cod family (Moridae), related to the cods, from the temperate waters of the southern hemisphere. The species grows to about 15 cm and has an elongate, tapering body with large eyes and a small chin barbel. It inhabits continental and insular slopes and seamounts at considerable depth. As a bottom and midwater searcher it feeds on small crustaceans, zooplankton and worms. Morids often have a light organ connected to the swim bladder. Owing to its deep habits the species is rarely seen and is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Austral cod?

The Austral cod has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly brown and shows a plain pattern. Elongate deepwater body with large eyes and a chin barbel; inhabitant of slopes and seamounts.

Where does the Austral cod live?

The Austral cod lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Temperate waters of the southern hemisphere; continental and insular slopes and seamounts.

How big does the Austral cod get?

The Austral cod grows to a maximum of about 15 cm.

Is the Austral cod dangerous to humans?

No, the Austral cod is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.

Is the Austral cod edible?

The Austral cod is not usually eaten.

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All data

Identification

English name
Austral cod verified
Scientific name
Guttigadus kongi
Family
Moridae

Appearance

Size class
Medium verified
Max length (cm)
15.3 verified
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like) sourced
Dominant colour
Brown inferred
Pattern
Plain inferred
Mouth position
Terminal inferred
Lips
Thick / fleshy inferred
Barbels
Yes sourced
Dorsal fins
Two separate inferred
Dorsal spines
No sourced

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Saltwater sourced
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom sourced
Min depth (m)
55.0 verified
Max depth (m)
1500.0 verified
Natural range
Temperate waters of the southern hemisphere; continental and insular slopes and seamounts. inferred
Origin
Native sourced

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Carnivore sourced
Diet (detail)
Small crustaceans, zooplankton and worms sourced
Social behaviour
Small groups inferred
Territorial
No inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes sourced
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred
Seasonality
Present year-round in its habitat; no pronounced seasonality known. inferred
Special features
Elongate deepwater body with large eyes and a chin barbel; inhabitant of slopes and seamounts. sourced

For anglers

Edibility
Not eaten sourced
Fishing method
Bottom fishing with natural bait (worm, shrimp or fish) on or just above the seabed. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless sourced
First aid
None required: this species is harmless to humans. sourced

Status & sources

Sources
FishBase via GBIF (DwC-A), CC-BY-NC 4.0

More from the family Moridae

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