Small-headed cod
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 Drawing by Dr Tony Ayling
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| Lepidion microcephalus Cowper, 1956 |
The small-headed cod or long-finned cod, Lepidion microcephalus, 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 Bass Straits and is commercially harvested by both Australia and New Zealand. It has been found on the continental shelf but typically its depth range is 750 to 1,000 metres. It may grow to 48 cm.
The second common name highlights the fact that 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.
[edit] References
- Lepidion microcephalus (TSN 550831). Integrated Taxonomic Information System. Accessed on 19 March 2006.
- "Lepidion microcephalus". FishBase. Ed. Ranier Froese and Daniel Pauly. November 2005 version. N.p.: FishBase, 2005.
- 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
