morrhua

Morrhua is a genus of marine fish belonging to the cod family, Gadidae. The most well-known species within this genus is Gadus morhua, commonly referred to as the Atlantic cod. These fish are typically found in the cold, deep waters of the North Atlantic Ocean. Atlantic cod are characterized by their elongated bodies, three dorsal fins, and two anal fins. They have a distinctive barbel on their chin.

Historically, Atlantic cod have been a crucial food source for many coastal communities, leading to significant commercial fishing operations for centuries. Their populations have experienced fluctuations due to overfishing and environmental factors. While the genus Morrhua encompasses several species, the Atlantic cod is the most commercially important and widely studied. Other species within the genus may have different common names and distribution ranges but share general morphological and ecological similarities with the Atlantic cod. The genus name itself is derived from the Greek word for cod.