Moridae

Moridae is a family of ray-finned fishes in the order Gadiformes, related to the true cods (Gadidae) but classified as a distinct group. The family comprises multiple genera and numerous species found in marine environments around the world. Morids are commonly referred to as morid cods.

Distribution and habitat: Moridae species occur in temperate and tropical oceans worldwide. They are predominantly demersal, inhabiting deep-water habitats on continental shelves and slopes, often around seamounts and canyons. Depth ranges vary by species but many inhabit bathyal and deeper zones, reflecting their association with the deep sea.

Description and biology: Morids typically have slender, elongated bodies and soft fin rays. They possess dorsal and anal fins that extend along portions of the body, with mouth size and dentition adapted to feeding on small fishes, crustaceans, and other invertebrates. Reproduction varies among species, but many morids are egg layers with pelagic eggs released into the water column; life histories are not well documented for many deep-sea species.

Ecology: In deep-sea ecosystems, morids function as mid-level predators and prey for larger fishes and marine mammals. Their populations are generally less well known than shallower-water fishes, due in part to the difficulty of studying deep-sea environments.

Fisheries and conservation: Some morid species are bycatch in deep-water trawl fisheries, and a few are of minor commercial importance in certain regions. Overall, data on many Moridae species are limited, and management often depends on regional fishery assessments and broader Gadiformes regulations.