Ophiodon

Ophiodon is a genus of marine ray-finned fishes in the family Hexagrammidae, commonly known as lingcod. It is a monotypic genus, represented by the sole living species Ophiodon elongatus. Lingcod, despite the name, is not a true cod.

Ophiodon elongatus occurs along the Pacific coast of North America, from Alaska to central Baja California, and is especially associated with rocky reefs, ledges, and kelp forests. Juveniles inhabit shallow nearshore waters, while adults occupy deeper rocky bottoms on continental shelves. They are large, elongated fish with a broad head and a large mouth filled with sharp teeth. Coloration is mottled brown to green, often with lighter blotches that provide camouflage against the substrate.

Lingcod are carnivorous and primarily ambush predators. Their diet includes fishes, squid, octopuses, and crustaceans. Reproduction takes place in late winter to spring. Females lay adhesive eggs on rocky substrates, and the males guard the nest until hatching. Growth is rapid in early life; adults commonly reach about 60–90 cm in length, with individuals exceeding 1 meter reported and maximum sizes around 1.5 meters and tens of kilograms.

Ophiodon elongatus is an important target for both commercial and recreational fisheries in the Pacific Northwest and along British Columbia and California. It is valued for its firm, white flesh. Because of fishing pressure, stock assessments and management measures—such as size limits, seasonal closures, and catch quotas—are used in many jurisdictions to sustain populations.