Local Species - Cod

Gadus morhua

The Atlantic Cod is one of the better known fish species in the Kent and Essex district and a firm favourite in the local chippies. They are easily distinguishable by their grey or green mottled flanks with a curved white lateral line. They have 3 dorsal fins, and a pronounced chin barbel.

Cod can live up to 25 years, and reach to 2 metres in length and up to 200 lbs. Cod is widely distributed in a variety of habitats from coastal waters to the continental shelf. Cod are a shoaling species with shoals commonly found within a metre of the seabed although foraging activity occurs on the sea bed as well as in mid water. Food consists of a wide range of crustaceans, brittle stars, worms and other fish notably herring and sprat. Cod migrate long distances to spawn from February to April.