Shortbeard codling (Laemonema barbatulum)

Description: This fish is one of the most abundant bottom fishes on the continental slope. It is related to the more well-known shallow-water cod, which are an incredibly popular food fish. Despite its relation to some very delicious fish the shortbread codling isn’t directly targeted by the commercial fishing seafood industry, likely because it is small and lives in such deep waters.

Geographic Distribution

Figure 1: Relative probability of occurrence of Shortbeard codling (Laemonema barbatulum) based on computer generated distribution maps. Data source: Aquamaps

Figure 2: Approximate depth range of Shortbeard codling (black box). Slope of seafloor is a generalized representation of the Gulf of Mexico shelf and outer continental shelf.