New Jersey Scuba Diving

Cods & Allies

Cod

Cods - family Gadidae - are one of the most commercially important families of fish in the sea. As such, they have been fished to the brink of disaster. The book above is a fascinating study of the historical relationship between western civilization and the codfish.

The only freshwater representative of the cod family is the Burbot.

Atlantic Cod & Tomcod

Atlantic Cod
Atlantic Cod
Tomcod
Atlantic Tomcod

Cods are easily identified: they all have three separate soft-rayed dorsal fins and two separate soft-rayed anal fins. They also have a sensory barbel on the chin, although in some species this is so reduced as to be virtually absent.

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Red Hake (Ling) & Silver Hake (Whiting)

Red Hake (Ling)
Red Hake ( Ling )
Silver Hake (Whiting)
Silver Hake ( Whiting )

Our two commonest "Hakes" differ from cods above in having the three dorsal and two anal fins merged into two and one, respectively. The Red Hake or Ling Urophycis chuss is easily identified by its pelvic fins, which are formed into long white split streamers. It grows to 20" and 6 lbs. Ling are very common on just about all dive sites.

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Haddock & Pollock

Haddock
Haddock
Pollock
Pollock

These two codfishes have similar-sounding names, looks, and habits. Both are much more likely to be found schooling in open water around the upper reaches of offshore wrecks and reefs than other bottom-hugging cod types.

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Cusk & Striped Cusk Eel

Cusk Eel
Cusk
Cusk Eel
Cusk Eel

These fishes take the fin-merging of the Hakes one step further, merging all the unpaired fins and the tail into a single continuous margin. You can find tiny inch-long baby Cusk Brosme brosme under rocks and debris. Adults are found in coastal waters, in depths 60 ft and below, and grow to 39" and 27 lbs.

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BC & Weight System

2016 Update

Styles and fads come and go, but the advice below remains the same for Buoyancy Compensators. Unless someone figures out how to turn them into gold, there is nothing new to say about lead weights.

These items, along with tanks, are generally considered separately, something that I think is a mistake that often leads to buying equipment that quickly becomes inadequate, especially in the rigorous environment of the North Atlantic. However, it is not difficult to select items that both perform well and allow for future expansion, once you consider the requirements and interactions. To that end, I suggest that you read both the sections on BC & weight systems, and the section on tanks.

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Disclaimer:

I make no claim as to the accuracy, validity, or appropriateness of any information found in this website. I will not be responsible for the consequences of any action that is based upon information found here. Scuba diving is an adventure sport, and as always, you alone are responsible for your own safety and well being.

Copyright © 1996-2026 Rich Galiano
unless otherwise noted

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