Fin's Fish Guide
The Pacific tomcod (Microgadus proximus) is a brackish-water fish of the family Gadidae that grows up to 31 cm.
Northeast Pacific; sandy bottoms of coastal waters, sometimes brackish water.
Description
The Pacific tomcod is a cod-like fish of the cod family (Gadidae) from the north-eastern Pacific. The species grows to about 30 cm and has a slender, silvery body with three dorsal fins and two anal fins, characteristic of cods, and a small chin barbel. It generally lives over sandy bottoms of coastal waters and the continental shelf, and sometimes enters brackish water. As a bottom searcher it feeds on small crustaceans, worms and small fishes. The Pacific tomcod is a local bycatch and food fish and is harmless to humans.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Pacific tomcod?
The Pacific tomcod has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a plain pattern. Three dorsal fins and two anal fins with a small chin barbel; bottom forager of sandy coastal waters.
Where does the Pacific tomcod live?
The Pacific tomcod lives in brackish water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Northeast Pacific; sandy bottoms of coastal waters, sometimes brackish water.
How big does the Pacific tomcod get?
The Pacific tomcod grows to a maximum of about 31 cm.
Is the Pacific tomcod dangerous to humans?
No, the Pacific tomcod is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Pacific tomcod edible?
Yes, the Pacific tomcod is commonly eaten.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Microgadus
More from the family Gadidae
Want the complete picture on the Pacific tomcod?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Pacific tomcod is one of 12,519 species in the app.