Unicorn cod
📖 Overview
If taxonomy is correct, both onshore in brackish water and oceanic. According to larval survey, occurrence in the tropics is wide . Feed on planktonic crustaceans. Also caught with bagnets .
🔬 Taxonomy
🐟 Physical Description
Dorsal spines (total): 0; Dorsal soft rays (total): 57 - 66; Anal spines: 0; Anal soft rays: 58 - 69; Vertebrae: 52 - 58. Body is elongate, brownish and with speckling above and silvery below. The cheek and lower head also silver. Single occipital ray long and delicate, extending to near the middle of the second dorsal fin . Pelvic fins are jugular.: elongated; Cross section: oval.
🌀 Behaviour
Behavioural data for Unicorn cod is currently being reviewed.
🦐 Diet
🥚 Reproduction
🌍 Habitat & Distribution
Marine; brackish; pelagic-oceanic; oceanodromous ; depth range 0 - 2000 m . Subtropical; 25°N - 6°N, 62°E - 100°E Indian Ocean: confirmed from the Arabian Sea and Bay of Bengal.
🌿 Ecology
planktonic crustaceans
📐 Morphometrics
🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance
📊 Population Risk & Fisheries
🍽️ Edibility & Flavour
"Unicorn cod is an edible species."
- Clear, bright eyes — cloudy eyes indicate age
- Firm flesh that springs back when pressed
- Fresh ocean smell, never strong or ammonia-like
- Bright red or pink gills, not grey or brown
- Shiny, moist skin with scales tightly attached
- Cloudy or sunken eyes
- Strong fishy or ammonia odour
- Soft, mushy flesh that doesn't spring back
- Discoloured or dry flesh
⚡ Nutrition
Per 100g cooked - Source: USDA FoodData Central
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Protein | 17.3 g |
| Omega-3 (total) | 283 mg |
🔬 Mercury Safety
Mercury data for Unicorn cod has not yet been assigned. Please consult FDA/EPA guidance for general seafood safety advice.
🌿 Sustainability
🔬 Full Nutritional Profile
Per 100g - Raw, per 100g - Source: USDA FoodData Central templates (generic fish average)
🔍 Similar Species
🗺️ Global Occurrence Map
Occurrence records from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) - 97 records indexed .
👥 Community & Contribute
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