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Brazilian codling (Urophycis brasiliensis) — Phycidae

Brazilian codling

Urophycis brasiliensis
Family: Phycidae

The Brazilian codling (Urophycis brasiliensis) is a saltwater fish of the family Phycidae that grows up to 59 cm.

Length
58.6 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
24.0–190.0 m
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom
Danger
Harmless
Range
South America: Argentina, Brazil, Falkland Is., Uruguay
Edibility
Commonly eaten

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Description

The Brazilian codling is a cod relative (Phycidae) from coastal and slope waters of the southwest Atlantic, off South America. The species grows to about 59 cm and has an elongate, brownish body, a chin barbel and thread-like elongate pelvic fins that feel over the bottom. As a bottom-oriented predator it searches sand and mud bottoms for crustaceans, molluscs and small fish. It is a food fish. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Brazilian codling?

The Brazilian codling has a torpedo-shaped body.

Where does the Brazilian codling live?

The Brazilian codling lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. South America: Argentina, Brazil, Falkland Is., Uruguay

How big does the Brazilian codling get?

The Brazilian codling grows to a maximum of about 59 cm. On average the species is around 25 cm.

Is the Brazilian codling dangerous to humans?

No, the Brazilian codling is harmless to humans. This species is harmless to humans. No specific first aid is needed. Still handle the fish with care: mind the fin rays and the sharp edges of the gill cover, and rinse any scratch with clean water and cover it. For a dirty or deep wound check tetanus status.

Is the Brazilian codling edible?

Yes, the Brazilian codling is commonly eaten.

More photos

Brazilian codling (Urophycis brasiliensis) — Phycidae — 2
Valentín Alfano (CC BY-NC 4.0) via GBIF — iNaturalist
Brazilian codling (Urophycis brasiliensis) — Phycidae — 3
iNaturalist ((c) Nicolas Olejnik, some rights reserved (CC BY))
Brazilian codling (Urophycis brasiliensis) — Phycidae — 4
iNaturalist ((c) Santiago Mailhos, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))
Brazilian codling (Urophycis brasiliensis) — Phycidae — 5
iNaturalist (no rights reserved)
Fin

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All data

Identification

English name
Brazilian codling sourced
Scientific name
Urophycis brasiliensis
Family
Phycidae
Other names
Brazilian codling; Hake verified

Appearance

Size class
Large verified
Max length (cm)
58.6 verified
Average length (cm)
25.0 verified
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped sourced
Tail shape
Straight inferred
Barbels
Yes sourced

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Saltwater sourced
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom sourced
Min depth (m)
24.0 verified
Max depth (m)
190.0 verified
Natural range
South America: Argentina, Brazil, Falkland Is., Uruguay sourced
Origin
Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

Territorial
No inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes inferred
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred
Seasonality
Present year-round in its habitat; no pronounced seasonality known. inferred

For anglers

Edibility
Commonly eaten inferred
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 verified
First aid
This species is harmless to humans. No specific first aid is needed. Still handle the fish with care: mind the fin rays and the sharp edges of the gill cover, and rinse any scratch with clean water and cover it. For a dirty or deep wound check tetanus status. verified

Status & sources

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

Same genus Urophycis

More from the family Phycidae

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