Gadus chalcogrammus, commonly known as the Alaska pollock, inhabits the northern Pacific Ocean. It features a streamlined body, mottled grey-brown patterning, and a small chin barbel. This species is known for its role in large schools, vital for commercial fisheries and as a key prey species in its ecosystem.

Gadus chalcogrammus, commonly known as the Alaska pollock, is native to the North Pacific Ocean. Its geographical distribution includes the Bering Sea, the Gulf of Alaska, and the Sea of Okhotsk. It is also found along the coasts of Japan, Korea, and Russia, extending to the eastern Pacific around the United States, particularly Alaska.

The Alaska pollock inhabits cold, temperate marine environments. It is typically found in subarctic and boreal zones, thriving in waters with temperatures ranging from 2 to 8 degrees Celsius (35.6 to 46.4 degrees Fahrenheit). This species often resides in continental shelf regions and shelf edges, usually at depths ranging from 30 to 400 meters (98 to 1,312 feet).

Gadus chalcogrammus occupies an ecological niche as a mid-level predator and a key prey species in its ecosystem. It primarily feeds on zooplankton, small fish, and crustaceans. The Alaska pollock plays a significant role in the food web, serving as a crucial food source for larger marine predators, including marine mammals, seabirds, and larger fish species.