gadiforms

Gadiformes is an order of ray-finned fishes that includes the cods and their relatives. Members are primarily marine and demersal, inhabiting the continental shelves and slopes of temperate and cold oceans worldwide. They range from small species to several tens of kilograms, and many have elongated bodies with vital roles in marine ecosystems as predators or scavengers.

The order comprises several families, the most economically important being Gadidae (true cods and their allies), Merlucciidae (hakes), and Lotidae (ling and related species). Notable genera and species include Gadus morhua (Atlantic cod), Melanogrammus aeglefinus (haddock), Gadus pollachius (pollock), Merluccius merluccius (European hake), and Molva molva (ling). Gadiforms are typically demersal, feeding on fish and invertebrates on or near the seabed, and many have late maturity and long lifespans.

Reproduction is usually oviparous with external fertilization, and many gadiforms undertake seasonal migrations to spawning grounds. They are widely distributed, from shallow coastal waters to deep continental slopes, and inhabit temperate to cold waters of all oceans.

Gadiforms are of substantial commercial importance, supporting major fisheries. However, several cod stocks have declined due to overfishing and habitat changes, prompting management measures such as catch quotas and area closures. Ongoing research investigates stock status, population structure, and the impacts of climate change on distribution and productivity.