Australian Red Cod

Description

A large greyish to greyish-pink cod becoming whitish below with a pale upper jaw, a narrow black margin on the dorsal, caudal and anal fins, a distinct dark blotch or spot on the pectoral-fin base (not extending dorsally onto body), and a white chin barbel and pelvic fins. Specimens over 15 cm SL have a truncate tail with angular corners, and the central caudal-fin rays being distinctly shorter that those of the upper and lower lobes.

Distribution and habitat

This species is now only known from New Zealand, with all Australian records now recognised as a new species P. palmata (the RLS database has yet to be updated to reflect this - the images on this page are P. palmata). Both are distinguished from the very similar P. barbata by a dark blotch at the base of the pectoral fin and a flatter rear margin of the tail. P. barbata lacks the black pectoral blotch and has a more rounded tail, and the very similar P. breviuscula does not grow bigger than 25 cm and has larger scales (so fewer scale rows between the lateral line and dorsal fin). Like other local cods, the flesh is soft and does not store well. The species is rarely seen or captured on line during the day as it largely moves about at night.