Poor Cod - Definition and Overview

The Poor Cod (Trisopterus minutus ) is a temperate marine fish belonging to the cod family (Gadiformes). It is red brown in color and has a pronounced chin barbel. It may grow up to a length of 40cm. It is usually found in small shoals at depths between 10 and 300 meters on muddy or sandy bottoms. Its distribution spans the eastern Atlantic; from Norwegian coasts to Portugal and along the Atlantic coast of Morocco; also in the Mediterranean. Spawning takes place towards the end of winter.

It feeds on crustaceans and small fishes. They are eaten by seals, whales and dolphins. It is commercially harvested for the production of fish meal, and in southern Europe as food.