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Mediterranean codling (Lepidion lepidion) — Moridae

Mediterranean codling

Lepidion lepidion
Family: Moridae
LC · Least Concern

The Mediterranean codling (Lepidion lepidion) is a saltwater fish of the family Moridae that grows up to 89 cm.

Length
88.9 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
127.0–2307.0 m
Diet
Carnivore
Behaviour
Solitary
Activity
Nocturnal
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped
Substrate
Open water
Danger
Harmless
Edibility
Not eaten

Description

The Mediterranean codling is a deep-sea fish of the family Moridae (deep-sea cods) reaching about 89 cm. The elongate, brownish body has notably large eyes, a barbel under the lower jaw and a first dorsal fin with an elongated front ray, followed by a long second dorsal fin. The species lives benthopelagically along continental slopes in the cold, deep water of the north-eastern Atlantic and the Mediterranean, usually between one hundred and over two thousand metres. Close to the bottom it hunts crustaceans, worms and small fish. Because of its deep-sea life it is encountered almost only as bycatch and has no commercial value.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Mediterranean codling?

The Mediterranean codling has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly brown and shows a plain pattern.

Where does the Mediterranean codling live?

The Mediterranean codling lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around open water.

How big does the Mediterranean codling get?

The Mediterranean codling grows to a maximum of about 89 cm.

Is the Mediterranean codling dangerous to humans?

No, the Mediterranean codling is harmless to humans.

Is the Mediterranean codling edible?

The Mediterranean codling is not usually eaten.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Grootoog-diepzeemora inferred
English name
Mediterranean codling verified
Scientific name
Lepidion lepidion
Family
Moridae
Other names
Mediterranean codling; Morid cod; North Atlantic codling verified

Appearance

Size class
Extra large verified
Max length (cm)
88.9 verified
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Brown sourced
Pattern
Plain sourced
Tail shape
Straight inferred
Mouth position
Terminal inferred
Lips
Thick / fleshy inferred
Barbels
Yes verified
Dorsal fins
Two separate sourced
Dorsal spines
No verified

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Saltwater verified
Substrate
Open water sourced
Min depth (m)
127.0 verified
Max depth (m)
2307.0 verified
Origin
Native verified

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Carnivore verified
Social behaviour
Solitary verified
Territorial
No verified
Activity
Nocturnal inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes verified
Sexual dimorphism
No verified

For anglers

Edibility
Not eaten verified
Fishing method
Sportvissen met kunstaas of (dood/levend) aasvis door te trollen, te werpen of drijvend te vissen in open water. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless sourced

Status & sources

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

More from the family Moridae

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