Fin's Fish Guide
The Poor cod (Trisopterus minutus) is a saltwater fish of the family Gadidae that grows up to 40 cm.
Northeast Atlantic, including the North Sea and the Mediterranean Sea, above mixed bottoms and near wrecks and reefs.
Description
The poor cod is a small cod relative of the family Gadidae reaching about 40 cm but usually smaller. The stout, copper-brown body has, typical of the cod family, three dorsal fins and two anal fins, a long chin barbel and often a dark spot at the pectoral-fin base; it resembles a small, more slender pouting. The species lives in schools over mixed bottoms and around wrecks and reefs of the north-eastern Atlantic, the North Sea and the Mediterranean. Mainly at night it hunts small crustaceans, shrimps and worms. The poor cod bites readily and is regularly caught as bycatch, but because of its small size it has little culinary value.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Poor cod?
The Poor cod has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly brown and shows a plain pattern. Small cod fish with three dorsal fins, a long chin barbel and a dark blotch near the pectoral fin base; a miniature version of the pouting.
Where does the Poor cod live?
The Poor cod lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around mixed bottom. Northeast Atlantic, including the North Sea and the Mediterranean Sea, above mixed bottoms and near wrecks and reefs.
How big does the Poor cod get?
The Poor cod grows to a maximum of about 40 cm. On average the species is around 20 cm.
Is the Poor cod dangerous to humans?
No, the Poor cod is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Poor cod edible?
The Poor cod is rarely eaten.
More photos
Easily confused with
These species look like the Poor cod and live in the same waters.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Trisopterus
More from the family Gadidae
Want the complete picture on the Poor cod?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Poor cod is one of 12,519 species in the app.