Small-headed cod
The small-headed cod (Lepidion microcephalus) or the long-finned cod is a deepwater fish belonging to the morid cod family (Moridae), and related to the true cods (genus Gadus). It is found in the Tasman Sea, including the Bass Strait. It is commercially harvested by both Australia and New Zealand. It has been found on the continental shelf, but typically its depth range is from 750 to 1,000 m (2,460 to 3,280 ft). It grows to 48 centimetres (19 in) in total length.
| Small-headed cod | |
|---|---|
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| Drawing by Tony Ayling | |
Scientific classification  | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Actinopterygii |
| Order: | Gadiformes |
| Family: | Moridae |
| Genus: | Lepidion |
| Species: | L. microcephalus |
| Binomial name | |
| Lepidion microcephalus Cowper, 1956 | |
The second common name is because its first dorsal fin is made up of long, filamentous rays. The pelvic fin is long, thin, and scythe-like, and it has a pronounced chin barbel.
The colour is grey-brown with a faint red tint on the body and black-edged median fins.
References
- "Lepidion microcephalus". Integrated Taxonomic Information System. Retrieved 19 March 2006.
- Froese, Rainer and Pauly, Daniel, eds. (2005). "Lepidion microcephalus" in FishBase. November 2005 version.
- Tony Ayling & Geoffrey Cox, Collins Guide to the Sea Fishes of New Zealand, (William Collins Publishers Ltd, Auckland, New Zealand 1982) ISBN 0-00-216987-8
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