Fin's Fish Guide
The Gadella (Gadella maraldi) is a saltwater fish of the family Moridae that grows up to 30 cm.
Eastern Atlantic (Portugal, Madeira, Azores, Great Meteor Bank) and the Mediterranean Sea.
Description
Gadella maraldi is a small deep-sea cod relative of the family Moridae (the morid cods) reaching about 30 cm. The elongate body has an oval cross-section and a mostly dark colour, with a pale mouth cavity; there are two dorsal fins and no spines. The species lives benthopelagically on hard bottoms of the upper continental slope of the eastern Atlantic, including Portugal, Madeira, the Azores and the Great Meteor Bank, and the Mediterranean, usually between 150 and 900 m. It feeds on small bottom animals. It is probably a spring spawner with pelagic larvae. The species has only minor commercial value and is taken mainly as bycatch.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Gadella?
The Gadella has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly brown and shows a plain pattern. Dark deep-sea cod relative (morid) with an elongated body and an oval cross-section; lives on hard bottoms of the upper slope.
Where does the Gadella live?
The Gadella lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around mixed bottom. Eastern Atlantic (Portugal, Madeira, Azores, Great Meteor Bank) and the Mediterranean Sea.
How big does the Gadella get?
The Gadella grows to a maximum of about 30 cm.
Is the Gadella dangerous to humans?
No, the Gadella is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Gadella edible?
The Gadella is rarely eaten.
Easily confused with
These species look like the Gadella and live in the same waters.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
More from the family Moridae
Want the complete picture on the Gadella?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Gadella is one of 12,519 species in the app.