Gadus spp. are commonly known as cod, inhabiting cold, deep waters of the North Atlantic. They are distinguished by their elongated bodies, mottled coloring, and a prominent barbel on their chin. Cod are vital predators, feeding on smaller fish and invertebrates, and play a crucial role in marine food webs.

Gadus spp., commonly known as cod, are primarily found in the North Atlantic Ocean. They are distributed across the northern parts of the Atlantic, including the waters off the coasts of North America and Europe. Significant populations are located in the Gulf of Maine, Georges Bank, the Labrador Sea, and the Barents Sea. The two most well-known species, the Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua) and the Pacific cod (Gadus macrocephalus), inhabit different oceans but share similar environmental preferences.

Cod typically inhabit cold, marine environments with water temperatures ranging from 2 to 10°C (35.6 to 50°F). They are demersal fish, meaning they live and feed on or near the bottom of seas and oceans. Cod are often found at depths of 200 to 300 meters (656 to 984 feet) but can be located as deep as 600 meters (1968 feet). They prefer sandy or gravelly substrates where they can find their prey.

Cod play a crucial role in the marine ecosystem as both predators and prey. They feed on a variety of organisms, including smaller fish, mollusks, and crustaceans. As a keystone species, they help control the population of these prey species, maintaining ecological balance. Cod are also a vital food source for larger predators like sharks, seals, and humans. Regional adaptations can be noted in the differences between Atlantic and Pacific cod, with each species having slightly different dietary preferences and breeding behaviors, adapted to their specific environmental conditions.