Gadidae

Gadidae is a family of ray-finned fishes in the order Gadiformes, commonly referred to as cods and their relatives. They are native to the cold and temperate waters of the Northern Hemisphere, particularly the North Atlantic and North Pacific, where they are predominantly demersal on continental shelves and slopes.

Physically, gadids are generally elongated and vary in size across species. They typically have two dorsal fins and a well-developed lateral line system. Mouth shape and tooth patterns differ among species, aiding in identification and reflecting their diverse feeding habits, which range from fish to invertebrates.

Ecology and life history vary among gadid species but share several features. They are generally bottom-associated predators or scavengers, forming schools in many environments. Reproduction commonly involves offshore or shelf spawning with pelagic eggs and planktonic larvae, leading to dispersal by currents. Growth rates and longevity differ widely, influencing stock dynamics and management needs.

Economy and conservation are major aspects of gadids. These fishes have supported large commercial fisheries for centuries. Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua) was historically a cornerstone of northern economies and has experienced severe stock declines in some areas. Other species, such as Pacific cod (Gadus macrocephalus), Alaska pollock (often placed in Gadus/chalcogrammus in some classifications), haddock (Melanogrammus aeglefinus), and whiting (Merlangius merlangus), remain important globally. Management relies on regional fishery organizations and stock assessments, with efforts aimed at sustainable harvests and stock rebuilding where needed.

Taxonomy within Gadidae includes several well-known genera such as Gadus, Melanogrammus, Merlangius, and Pollachius. The placement of some taxa has shifted with molecular studies, reflecting ongoing revisions in gadid phylogeny.