Small-headed cod

{{Short description|Species of fish}}

{{Speciesbox

| name = Small-headed cod

| image = Lepidion microcephalus (Small-headed cod).gif

| image_caption = Drawing by Tony Ayling

| taxon = Lepidion microcephalus

| authority = Cowper, 1956

}}

The small-headed cod (Lepidion microcephalus) or the long-finned cod 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 the Bass Strait. It is commercially harvested by both Australia and New Zealand. It has been found on the continental shelf, but typically its depth range is from {{convert|750|to|1000|m|ft|abbr=on}}. It grows to {{convert|48|cm|in}} in total length.

The second common name is because 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.

References

  • {{ITIS |id=550831 |taxon=Lepidion microcephalus |accessdate=19 March 2006}}
  • {{FishBase|genus=Lepidion|species=microcephalus|year=2005|month=November}}
  • 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}}

{{Taxonbar|from=Q2364795}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Small-headed cod}}

small-headed cod

Category:Fish of Victoria (state)

Category:Marine fish of Tasmania

Category:Marine fish of New Zealand

small-headed cod

{{Gadiformes-stub}}