The Deep Sea Lingcod

selim12 December 19, 2023 0 Comments

The lingcod or ling cod is a fish of the greenling family Hexagrammidae. This species is common in Southern California.

Written And Reviewed by:

Deepseawonders

Scientific Name

Habitat

Diet

Hexagrammidae

North American west coast from Shumagin Islands in the Gulf of Alaska to Baja California, Mexico

invertebrates such as oysters, barnacles, mussels, small crabs, and hermit crabs

Animal Type

Ophiodon

Size

152 cm

Depth

10 to 100 meters

Table of Contents

Lingcod Habitat:

Lingcod is native to the North American west coast from the Shumagin Islands in the Gulf of Alaska to Baja California, Mexico. They mainly inhabit rocky areas and coral reefs from 10 to 100 meters. They are migrating species(females and juveniles will migrate to 60 miles to spawn)

Appearance and Size:

It can reach 152 centimeters in size and weight of 59 kilograms. Almost 20% of lingcods have blue-green to turquoise flesh. They have a large head and mouth, with 18 sharp teeth. They are dark grey in color. The body is narrow toward the tail.

Diet:

The fish are voracious predators, feeding on nearly anything they can fit in their mouths such as invertebrates and many species of fish, such as herring (Clupea pallasii), salmon, and Pacific hake (Merluccius products). They also prefer zooplankton. But Adults feed on bottom-dwelling fish

Reproduction & LifeCycle:

Females are ready to reproduce when they are five years old. Starting in October, lingcod migrate to nearshore spawning grounds. The males migrate first to make the nest sites. Then the spawning occurs between December and March. Females leave the nest to let the males protect the eggs until hatching. The juveniles stay in the pelagic zone from May to early June but they spend most of their lives in shallow waters. Females don’t stay for long in the breeding ground.

Lingcod LifeSpan And Behaviour:

In the Fall, male lingcod gather and become territorial over areas suitable for spawning, usually shallow rocky habits. They are really aggressive feeding on bottom-dwelling fish. They can live up to 20 years!

Predators:

Despite their dangerous lifestyle, this fish is still threatened by sharks and larger lingcod feed on juvenile lingcod.

Cool Facts About Lingcod:

-They prefer small octopuses.

-They are often caught in fishing nets.

-They can reach 35 kilograms in weight.

Conservation Status:

Some efforts are needed to protect these species such as:

Closing the fishery during spawning and nesting seasons to protect spawning female lingcod and nest-guarding male lingcod is needed. Restricting catch through catch and bycatch quotas.

FAQ’s:

What is the difference between a cod and a ling cod?

Cod:
Cod is a popular fish known for its mild flavor and flaky white flesh.It is rich in Vitamin B12, Vitamin B5, Phosphorus, and Potassium1.
Cod is a member of the Gadidae family.
Lingcod:
Lingcod, also known as buffalo cod or cultus cod, is not a true cod. It is a fish of the greenling family Hexagrammidae.
Lingcod has a mild-tasting meat that is tender yet firm. Its flesh can have a blue-green shimmer, which disappears when cooked4.
It is rich in Phosphorus, Vitamin B2, and Copper. However, it contains less Vitamin B12 compared to cod3.

Why do Lingcod turn blue

The raw flesh of lingcod can have a blue-green shimmer, but this color disappears when the fish is cooked. The exact reason for this coloration is not clearly documented in the provided search results. However, it is likely due to the presence of certain compounds or pigments in the fish’s flesh, which may undergo a change during the cooking process. Further scientific research or expert analysis may be needed to provide a more detailed explanation for this phenomenon.