Cod
In short
Cod are saltwater fish belonging to the Gadidae family, most commonly represented by the genus Gadus. They are a major commercial species found in the cold waters of the North Atlantic and Pacific oceans.
In plain words
These are fish that live near the bottom of the sea. People catch them in large amounts to eat. They are famous for being a staple in many diets around the world.
A simple example
A popular dish is fish and chips, which traditionally uses battered cod fillets served with fried potatoes.
Why it matters
Cod are vital to the global fishing industry and many coastal economies. They are also a key part of the marine food web in cold ocean ecosystems.
Easy to mix up
People often confuse cod with haddock, which looks similar but has a distinct black lateral line.