How to Identify Lingcod

To identify Lingcod (Ophiodon elongatus), look at these key features.

Physical Characteristics

Body shape

elongated

Coloration

Highly variable, ranging from dark brown, gray, or greenish to blue or mottled patterns, often with darker blotches or spots. The coloration provides excellent camouflage against rocky substrates. Some individuals, particularly juveniles, can exhibit vibrant blue or green flesh, which disappears upon cooking.

Scale type

ctenoid

Mouth position

terminal

Distinctive features

Large, broad head with a prominent, toothy mouth., Long, continuous dorsal fin deeply notched between spiny and soft-rayed portions., Large pectoral fins., Absence of scales on the head., Presence of a fleshy cirrus (flap) above each eye.

Dorsal fin

Single, long dorsal fin with 24-27 spines in the anterior portion and 21-24 soft rays in the posterior portion, deeply notched between the two sections.

Tail fin

Truncate to slightly emarginate (straight to slightly forked).

Pectoral fin

Large and fan-like, with 18-20 rays.

Distinctive fins

Pelvic fins are thoracic, located below the pectoral fins, with 1 spine and 5 soft rays. Anal fin has 3 spines and 21-24 soft rays.

Identification Tips

1. 1

   Body Shape and Size

   Elongated, robust body. Can grow up to 150 cm (59 inches) in length and weigh over 59 kg (130 lbs), though average size is much smaller (70-90 cm, 15-25 lbs).

2. 2

   Head and Mouth

   Large, broad head with a very large mouth extending past the eye. The mouth is armed with numerous sharp, canine-like teeth, including vomerine and palatine teeth.

3. 3

   Dorsal Fin

   A single, long dorsal fin with a distinct deep notch separating the spiny anterior portion from the soft-rayed posterior portion.

4. 4

   Coloration

   Highly variable, mottled patterns of brown, gray, green, or blue, allowing for excellent camouflage. Look for the fleshy cirrus above each eye.

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