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Smallscaled cod (Notothenia microlepidota) — Nototheniidae

Smallscaled cod

Notothenia microlepidota
Family: Nototheniidae

The Smallscaled cod (Notothenia microlepidota) is a saltwater fish of the family Nototheniidae that grows up to 70 cm.

Length
70 cm
Water
Saltwater
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped
Substrate
Mixed bottom
Danger
Harmless
Range
Oceania: New Zealand, Macquarie Is.
Edibility
Commonly eaten

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Description

The Smallscaled cod is an Antarctic notothen (Nototheniidae) from the cold waters of the subantarctic waters around New Zealand. The species grows to about 70 cm and has a stocky, dark olive-brown body with a large head. Adapted to icy water with natural antifreeze compounds in the blood, it lives on the bottom and snaps at crustaceans, worms, molluscs and algae. It is a food fish. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Smallscaled cod?

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

Where does the Smallscaled cod live?

The Smallscaled cod lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around mixed bottom. Oceania: New Zealand, Macquarie Is.

How big does the Smallscaled cod get?

The Smallscaled cod grows to a maximum of about 70 cm.

Is the Smallscaled cod dangerous to humans?

No, the Smallscaled cod 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 Smallscaled cod edible?

Yes, the Smallscaled cod is commonly eaten.

More photos

Smallscaled cod (Notothenia microlepidota) — Nototheniidae — 2
Wikimedia Commons — Charles Chilton (Public domain)
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All data

Identification

English name
Smallscaled cod sourced
Scientific name
Notothenia microlepidota
Family
Nototheniidae
Other names
Black cod; Smallscaled cod verified

Appearance

Size class
Large verified
Max length (cm)
70.0 verified
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Brown sourced
Tail shape
Rounded inferred

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Saltwater sourced
Substrate
Mixed bottom sourced
Natural range
Oceania: New Zealand, Macquarie Is. sourced
Origin
Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

Territorial
No inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes inferred
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred
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 Notothenia

More from the family Nototheniidae

Fin

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