How to Identify Poor Cod

To identify Poor Cod (Trisopterus minutus), look at these key features.

Physical Characteristics

Body shape

elongated

Coloration

The back and flanks are typically yellowish-brown to greyish-brown, often with a reddish tinge, fading to a silvery-white or off-white belly. There is often a dark spot at the base of the pectoral fin.

Scale type

cycloid

Mouth position

terminal

Distinctive features

Three distinct dorsal fins, Two distinct anal fins, A prominent barbel on the chin, typically shorter than the eye diameter, Large eyes, Lateral line is distinct and curves upwards over the pectoral fin

Dorsal fin

Three separate dorsal fins. First dorsal fin has 11-15 rays, second has 18-24 rays, and third has 17-20 rays.

Tail fin

Caudal fin is slightly emarginate (forked) to truncate.

Pectoral fin

Pectoral fins are relatively long, reaching beyond the origin of the first anal fin. Pelvic fins are filamentous and located anterior to the pectoral fins.

Distinctive fins

Two separate anal fins. First anal fin has 24-29 rays, second has 17-20 rays.

Identification Tips

1. 1

   Chin Barbel

   Presence of a single, relatively short barbel on the chin, which is shorter than the eye diameter. This distinguishes it from other cod species with longer barbels.

2. 2

   Dorsal and Anal Fins

   Three dorsal fins and two anal fins are characteristic of the Gadidae family. The specific ray counts can help differentiate it from other Trisopterus species.

3. 3

   Pectoral Fin Spot

   A dark, often blackish, spot at the base of the pectoral fin is a key identifying feature for Trisopterus minutus.

4. 4

   Size

   Its generally small adult size (typically under 25 cm) helps distinguish it from larger cod species.

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