Arctic cod - Definition and Overview

The Arctic cod (Arctogadus glacialis) is a deepwater fish closely related to the true cod (genus Gadus). It has several common names, including "Polar cod" and "Greenland cod". Note, however, that another species, Boreogadus saida, also shares the common names "Arctic cod" and "Polar cod", while the name "Greenland cod" refers aditionally to the species Gadus ogac.

It is widely distributed in the western part of the Arctic basin, also the northwest and northeast coasts of Greenland. Its range is between 85° and 72° north latitude. Arctic cod can be found at depths of up to 1000 m, and frequently under ice.

It is silvery in appearance and can grow up to 30 cm in length. It lacks the chin barbels of other cod species.

Arctic cod feed on invertebrates, such as crabs and molluscs, as well as on smaller fish. They are eaten by narwhals, seals and by other fish and they form an important part of the Arctic food chain. The species is of minor commercial value.