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Ocean CreaturesLingcod (Ophiodon elongatus)According to the Monterey Bay AquariumLingcod fish are unique to the west coast of North America, dwelling on rocky reefs and ocean bottoms in depths between 30 and 300 feet. Young lingcod prefer sandy or muddy bottoms in bays and inshore areas. These fish grow to five feet long and weigh up to 70 lbs, with females larger than males.. They have a large mouth with eighteen sharp teeth and mainly eat octopus, crabs and other fish. Their meat and skin can change colors, and can be black, dark brown, blue, green, or orange, yet the meat turns white when cooked. Some think the color change is due to the ink that gets released into their system when they eat octopus. When caught, wise fishermen and fisherwomen release the large female lingcod knowing they will reproduce thousands of fish for sustainable and greater fishing. During spawning season, lingcod migrate into nearshore areas. The male arrives first and establishes a territory on a rocky substrate in strong water currents. As much as a month later, the female arrives and chooses a male partner. This decision made, she swims over the site and deposits a layer of eggs.The female usually produces between 60,000 and 500,000 eggs. The male follows and deposits a layer of sperm. They repeat their layers until spawning is over, whereupon the female leaves. The male aggressively guards the egg mass for eight to 10 weeks until the eggs hatch. Males attack fish predators but allow sea urchins, sunflower stars and snails to feed on the eggs. While guarding eggs, lingcod have been known to attack humans. Lingcod have experienced long-term declines due to overfishing but appear to be stabilizing. About half of the lingcod caught by commercial fisheries is caught using bottom trawling, a fishing method that results in considerable habitat damage. We encourage measures to minimize damage from trawling gear along their rocky habitats on the seafloor, resulting in more fish, more diverse marine life, and sustainable fishing. This photo is of a three foot long lingcod in Shell Beach.
Images and information provided by the Central Coast Extension of the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary. Some photos by Terry Lilley with Sue Sloan doing the lighting. Terry is sharing his photos to encourage interest in the marine sanctuary effort. Contact Carol to be added to the "Critter of the Week" email list. |
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