Ken Schultz's Field Guide to Saltwater Fish - Macaw Pets store

A member of the Gadidae family (codfish), the Atlantic tomcod
is a small, hardy fish, resembling its relative the Atlantic
cod. Able to adapt to salinity changes and sudden cold
spells, the tomcod can survive in both saltwater and freshwater.
It is a delicious fish, sometimes taken in large quantities
by anglers, and is caught commercially in small
numbers due to its size.
Identification. Characteristic of the cod family, the
Atlantic tomcod has three dorsal and two anal fins, which
are rounded, as is the caudal fin. The body is heavy and has
a large, subterminal mouth. Its eyes are small. The coloring
is olive brown on the back, fading lighter below, and the
sides are heavily blotched with black. The fins have wavy or
mottled designs.
The Atlantic tomcod can be distinguished from the
Atlantic cod by its long, tapering ventral fins and smaller
body.
Size/Age. A generally small species that might be considered
a saltwater panfish, the Atlantic tomcod averages 6 to
12 inches in length. It can weigh up to 1 pound.
Spawning behavior. The spawning season of the Atlantic
tomcod is from November through February. It spawns in
brackish water or saltwater. The eggs sink to the bottom
and attach to algae and rocks.
Food. The Atlantic tomcod uses its chin barbel and ventral
fins to detect and inspect food. It consumes small shrimp,
amphipods, worms, clams, squid, and small fish.
Tomcod, Atlantic
Microgadus tomcod
OTHER NAMES
tomcod; French: poulamon
atlantique; Spanish: microgado.
Distribution. The Atlantic
tomcod inhabits waters
along the North American
coast from Labrador and
the Gulf of St. Lawrence
south to Virginia. It is common
locally north from Long
Island.
Habitat. Primarily
dwelling along the coast,
the Atlantic tomcod is
known to enter freshwater
rivers during the winter. It is
also landlocked in some
Canadian lakes. The tomcod
lives close to the bottom
and is usually found in
depths of 2 to 3 fathoms.
Tomcod, Atlantic 245