Description
The poor cod belongs to the family of the cod-like and like many species in this family they have a chin barbel and three dorsal fins. Poor cod have no transverse bands like the bib and is often misidentified. The upper jaw protrudes slightly over towards the lower jaw and eyes are quite large. On the top the base of the pectoral fin there is a small black dot. Spawning season is between March and July in the open water. Poor cod feed on shrimps, worms and small fish.

Size
Maximum length up to 25 cm.

Colour
The dorsal side of the adult has a light brown colour and the ventral side is light. Juveniles are usually entirely pale brown.

Habitat
Often these fish swim in schools, in open water or around wrecks.

Distribution
North eastern Atlantic from Norway to Morocco and the western Mediterranean.