Home · Moridae · Patagonian cod
Patagonian cod (Salilota australis) — Moridae

Patagonian cod

Salilota australis
Family: Moridae
DD · Data Deficient

The Patagonian cod (Salilota australis) is a saltwater fish of the family Moridae that grows up to 50 cm.

Length
50 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
30.0–1000.0 m
Diet
Carnivore
Behaviour
Small groups
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom
Danger
Harmless
Edibility
Commonly eaten

Description

The tadpole codling is a cod-like fish of the morid cod family (Moridae) from the cold waters around southern South America. The species has an elongate body with a broad head and chin barbel; females grow larger than males. It lives near the bottom on the continental shelf and slope, with the highest catches around 235 m; larger animals move into deeper water. As a bottom predator it feeds on fishes, crustaceans and molluscs. It is a food fish. The species is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Patagonian cod?

The Patagonian cod has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly brown and shows a plain pattern.

Where does the Patagonian cod live?

The Patagonian cod lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom.

How big does the Patagonian cod get?

The Patagonian cod grows to a maximum of about 50 cm.

Is the Patagonian cod dangerous to humans?

No, the Patagonian cod is harmless to humans.

Is the Patagonian cod edible?

Yes, the Patagonian cod is commonly eaten.

Download Fin's Fish Guide

Identify fish in seconds, log your catches and dives. Join the TestFlight beta.

Get the beta →

All data

Identification

Dutch name
Patagonische kwabkabeljauw sourced
English name
Patagonian cod verified
Scientific name
Salilota australis
Family
Moridae
Other names
Tadpole codling verified

Appearance

Size class
Large verified
Max length (cm)
50.0 verified
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like) sourced
Dominant colour
Brown inferred
Pattern
Plain inferred
Tail shape
Straight inferred
Mouth position
Terminal inferred
Lips
Thick / fleshy inferred
Barbels
Yes sourced
Dorsal fins
Two separate inferred
Dorsal spines
No sourced

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Saltwater sourced
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom sourced
Min depth (m)
30.0 verified
Max depth (m)
1000.0 verified
Origin
Native sourced

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Carnivore sourced
Social behaviour
Small groups inferred
Territorial
No inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes sourced
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred

For anglers

Edibility
Commonly eaten sourced
Fishing method
Bodemvissen met natuurlijk aas (worm, garnaal of vis) op of vlak boven de bodem. 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

Download Fin's Fish Guide

Identify fish in seconds, log your catches and dives. Join the TestFlight beta.

Get the beta →