#blue cod

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The blue cod, also known as the New Zealand blue cod (Parapercis colias) is a large fish found exclusively in shallow waters of New Zealand. Smaller juvenile specimens are often brown, while larger fish are more vibrant shades of green and blue. Spawning takes place in spring, and the blue cod is capable of changing its sex. They are opportunistic feeders that will consume almost anything available to them. Their natural predators include great white sharks, dolphins, yellow-eyed penguins, and seabirds. However, their most prolific predator is humans; 2000 to 2500 tons of blue cod are fished annually. The blue cod is the third most popular recreational fishing species. Since the fish is relatively sedentary, there are concerns that overfishing may lead to inbreeding and reduced genetic diversity, affecting the long-term population health of the species.

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