The Poor Cod is a relatively small fish, reaching a maximum size of 25cm. It possesses three dorsal fins, with the first being triangular, and two anal fins. The coloration of the Poor Cod varies, with the upper flanks and back displaying shades of brown to yellowy-green, while the underside and lower flanks appear silvery-white. Notably, the Poor Cod has relatively large eyes and a distinctive upwards curve in its lateral line, which extends towards the eye. Furthermore, a barbule is present on its chin, adding to its unique characteristics.
The Poor Cod is a species commonly found in the waters surrounding the UK, including Ireland and other European waters. While it primarily inhabits shallow inshore waters, it can occasionally venture into depths of several hundred meters. Deeper water Poor Cod tend to congregate in shoals around underwater features such as wrecks. Although less common in warmer southern European waters, the Poor Cod can still be found in certain areas of the Mediterranean Sea and along the coasts of North Africa.
The diet of the Poor Cod consists mainly of small fish such as blennies and gobies. Additionally, they scavenge the seabed in search of crustaceans, prawns, and even dead fish. Their opportunistic feeding behavior allows them to make use of any available food source they encounter. However, it's important to note that the Poor Cod itself serves as prey for larger species including cod, bass, coalfish, and pollock. Marine mammals like dolphins and seals also consider the Poor Cod as part of their diet.
The Poor Cod often gets mistaken for the pouting due to their similarities in appearance. However, there are distinguishing features that can help differentiate between the two species. The guide below provides a useful reference:
| Feature | Poor Cod | Pouting |
|---|---|---|
| Dorsal Fin | Triangular first fin | Rounded first fin |
| Body Coloration | Brown to yellowy-green | Darker with greyish hues |
| Lateral Line | Upwards curve towards the eye | Straight or slightly curved |
| Barbule on the Chin | Present | Absent |
By carefully observing these characteristics, one can discern between the Poor Cod and the pouting, avoiding confusion during identification.
The Poor Cod holds some commercial value due to its abundance, making it an easy catch for commercial trawlers. However, the majority of Poor Cod are processed into fishmeal, a valuable resource in various industries. It's worth noting that this species is also consumed fresh and salted, particularly in southern European countries. Despite its commercial significance, the Poor Cod is often regarded as a nuisance by anglers who are targeting larger fish, as it readily takes bait meant for other species.
While many anglers consider the Poor Cod a bycatch species, some match anglers specifically target them, recognizing the value of a few Poor Cod in a competition setting. Moreover, during slow fishing sessions where larger fish are not biting, anglers often resort to using scratching rigs equipped with multiple small hooks. This method increases the chances of catching something and helps avoid a disappointing "blank fishing" session. When targeting Poor Cod, popular bait choices include ragworm, lugworm, and mackerel strip.