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Navaga (Eleginus nawaga) — Gadidae

Navaga

Eleginus nawaga
Family: Gadidae

The Navaga (Eleginus nawaga) is a fish that lives in both fresh and salt water of the family Gadidae that grows up to 42 cm.

Length
42 cm
Water
Euryhaline
Depth
10.0–? m
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom
Danger
Harmless
Range
Europe: Russia
Edibility
Commonly eaten

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Description

The navaga is a cod (Gadidae) from cold coastal and estuarine waters of the Arctic Ocean and White Sea. The species grows to about 42 cm and has an elongate, grey-brown body with three dorsal fins and a chin barbel, typical of the cods. As a bottom-oriented predator it lives in shallow, cold water and hunts small fish, crustaceans and worms; it tolerates near-freezing temperatures. It is an important food fish. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Navaga?

The Navaga has a torpedo-shaped body and is mainly brown.

Where does the Navaga live?

The Navaga lives in both fresh and salt water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Europe: Russia

How big does the Navaga get?

The Navaga grows to a maximum of about 42 cm.

Is the Navaga dangerous to humans?

No, the Navaga 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 Navaga edible?

Yes, the Navaga is commonly eaten.

More photos

Navaga (Eleginus nawaga) — Gadidae — 2
iNaturalist ((c) Daniil Polyakov, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))
Navaga (Eleginus nawaga) — Gadidae — 3
iNaturalist ((c) Дмитрий, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))
Fin

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All data

Identification

English name
Navaga sourced
Scientific name
Eleginus nawaga
Family
Gadidae
Other names
Arctic saffron; Atlantic navaga; Navaga; Wachna cod; Arctic cod verified

Appearance

Size class
Large verified
Max length (cm)
42.0 verified
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Brown sourced
Tail shape
Straight inferred
Barbels
Yes sourced
Dorsal fins
Three separate sourced

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Euryhaline sourced
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom sourced
Min depth (m)
10.0 verified
Natural range
Europe: Russia sourced
Origin
Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

Territorial
No inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes inferred
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred
levensduur_max_jaar
12.0 verified
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 Eleginus

More from the family Gadidae

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