(DRAFT) - Taxonomy
Species haddock
Species Id M010595
Date 27 AUG 96
TAXONOMY
NAME - haddock
OTHER COMMON NAMES - offshore hake
ELEMENT CODE -
CATEGORY - Fish
PHYLUM AND SUBPHYLUM - ,
CLASS AND SUBCLASS - Osteichthyes,
ORDER AND SUBORDER - Gadiformes,
FAMILY AND SUBFAMILY - Gadidae,
GENUS AND SUBGENUS - Melanogrammus,
SPECIES AND SSP - aeglefinus,
SCIENTIFIC NAME - Melanogrammus aeglefinus
AUTHORITY - Linnaeus, 1758
TAXONOMY REFERENCES - 258 and 231
COMMENTS ON TAXONOMY -
Fr.: merlu blanc
In the family of codfish, medium to large-sized bottom fishes, living in
cool seas, except for one freshwater holarctic genus, Lota. Found mainly in
the northern hemisphere. Most species are bottom fishes inhabiting inshore
waters and continental shelves, some to depths of 1300 m.
Cods are generally heavy-bodied, elongate, usually with a stout caudal
peduncle. Head large: mouth large; teeth usually well developed on upper
(premaxillary) and lower jaws and on head of vomer; eye moderate. Gill
rakers usually short and stubby. Branchiostegals 6-8. Fins are well
developed. Scales cycloid, small. Lateral line well developed. Swim
bladder without pneumatic duct (physoclistous). Vertebrae 42-82. Color
generally somber, ranging from tan to brown to silvery. Predaceous fishes
feeding heavily on other fishes and invertebrates.
The cods are of great economic importance and support extensive commercial
fisheries.*258*
Taxonomy - 1 (DRAFT) - Status
Species haddock
Species Id M010595
Date 27 AUG 96
STATUS
Coded Status
Commercial
Commercial/consumption
REFERENCES FOR STATUS - 258
COMMENTS ON STATUS -
The haddock is one of the most highly prized of marine food fishes, and is
in great demand. It is fished primarily by otter trawl, and is marketed
fresh, frozen, smoked (finnan haddie), and, to a small extent, canned.
Formerly quantities were salted and dried in Canada.*258*
Haddock stocks were greatly overexploited by domestic and foreign fleets in
the mid-1960's and the stocks are still recovering. In 1965, for example,
the total yield of haddock in the northwest Atlantic was 249,000 t of which
the USSR 8000 t, the United States 12,000 t, and Canada 27,000 t. Haddock
have not regained their former abundance, but stocks are rebuilding. With a
total yield of 60,000 to 80,000 t during 1980-83, the Canadian catch
fluctuated around 40,000 to 50,000 t valued at $20-$25 million,
annually.*258*
Status - 1 (DRAFT) - Distribution
Species haddock
Species Id M010595
Date 27 AUG 96
DISTRIBUTION
Distribution - 1 HABITAT ASSOCIATIONS
HABITAT - MARINE
REFERENCES FOR HABITAT - 258
LAND USE -
Water
REFERENCES FOR LAND USE - 258
NATIONAL WETLAND INVENTORY CODES
NWI NWICLS NWIMOD NWISPEC
Marine OW0
Marine OW0
Marine FL.
Marine FL2
Marine OW0
REFERENCES FOR NWI - 258
COMMENTS ON HABITAT ASSOCIATIONS -
Essentially bottom-living, haddock occur over hard, smooth, sand, or gravel
bottoms.*258*
Spawning concentrations on the Scotian Shelf were mainly at depths of 91 m
or shallower, but depth and time of spawning vary accorrding to the
population involved.*258*
Haddock eggs are pelagic.*258*
ANIMAL/PLANT SPECIES ASSOCIATIONS -
cod
pollock
white hake
harbor seals
grey seals
Parasites: Lepidapedon rachion, Myxidium bergense, Eimeria gadi (a coccidian
parasite)
REFERENCES FOR SPECIES ASSOCIATIONS - 258
COMMENTS ON SPECIES ASSOCIATIONS -
PREDATION AND COMPETITION: Haddock, particularly when young, fall prey to
many predators such as cod, pollock, and white hake. Adults are eaten by
harbor seals and grey seals.*258*
There is some competition for food between haddock and cod, particularly
when cod are feeding mainly on invertebrates, or when both are feeding on
capelin eggs.*258*
PARASITES AND DISEASE: Many parasites have been listed although little
intensive work has been done. Alimentary tract parasites of haddock from
the Scotian Shelf were studied by researchers who noted differences in the
degree of infection of fish from different regions. In all, 19 species of
parasites were found, two of which, Lepidapedon rachion and Myxidium
bergense, showed promise as biological tags. Researchers listed 22 species
of parasites from haddock as follows: four protozoans, two myxosporidians,
Habitat Associations - 1 two trematodes, two cestodes, six nematodes, two acanthocephalans, and four
copepods.*258*
A coccidian parasite, Eimeria gadi, infecting swim bladders of haddock, was
reported by researchers. They estimated 58 percent of haddock on Emerald
Bank were infected, and as low as 4 percent on Georges Bank. Rate of
infection was highest in fall but the heaviest infections were noted in the
spring. The authors considered the infection to be fatal.*258*
Habitat Associations - 2 (DRAFT) - Food Habits
Species haddock
Species Id M010595
Date 27 AUG 96
FOOD HABITS
TROPHIC LEVEL -
CARNIVORE
REFERENCES FOR TROPHIC LEVEL - 258
LIFESTAGE FOOD FOOD PART
Adult Crustaceans Not Specified
Adult Starfish Not Specified
Adult Annelids Not Specified
Adult Fish Not Specified
Adult Brittle/Serpent Star Not Specified
Adult Bivalve Molluscs Not Specified
Adult Gadiformes Not Specified
Adult Anguilliformes Not Specified
Adult Clupeiformes Not Specified
Adult Clupeiformes Egg/Fetus stage
Adult See Comments; Food
REFERENCES FOR ADULT FOOD - 258
COMMENTS ON FOOD -
Adult haddock are essentially bottom-feeding fishes, consuming crustaceans,
molluscs, echinoderms (starfishes), annelids, and fishes. Over 200 species
of invertebrates and fishes were recognized from 15,000 stomachs examined by
researchers. Brittle stars and bivalve molluscs predominated but a complete
list would include all major invertebrate groups. Annelid worms make up
about 10 percent of food on the banks. Haddock caught on the fishing banks
seem to show a preference for fish. Among the species eaten were sand
lance, capelin, silver hake, American ells (elvers), herring, and
argentines; capelin and herring eggs were consumed in large numbers when
available.*258*
COMMENTS ON ADULT FOOD -
Adult haddock are essentially bottom-feeding fishes, consuming crustaceans,
molluscs, echinoderms (starfishes), annelids, and fishes. Over 200 species
of invertebrates and fishes were recognized from 15,000 stomachs examined by
researchers. Brittle stars and bivalve molluscs predominated but a complete
list would include all major invertebrate groups. Annelid worms make up
about 10 percent of food on the banks. Haddock caught on the fishing banks
seem to show a preference for fish. Among the species eaten were sand
lance, capelin, silver hake, American ells (elvers), herring, and
argentines; capelin and herring eggs were consumed in large numbers when
available.*258*
Food Habits - 1 (DRAFT) - Environment Associations
Species haddock
Species Id M010595
Date 27 AUG 96
ENVIRONMENTAL ASSOCIATIONS
G = General A = Adult
LIM = Limiting RA = Resting Adult
J = Juvenile FA = Feeding Adult
RJ = Resting Juvenile BA = Breeding Adult
FJ = Feeding Juvenile P = Pupae
L = Larvae E = Egg
RL = Resting Larvae
FL = Feeding Larvae
LIFESTAGE ENVIRONMENTAL ASSOCIATIONS
E Water Temperature: Below 15 degrees C
BA Bottom Type [Aquatic]: Sand
A Bottom Type [Aquatic]: Gravel
A Water Depth Preference: Specified in Comments
REFERENCES FOR ENVIRONMENTAL ASSOC_ - 258
REFERENCES FOR ADULT ENVIRONMENTAL ASSOC_ - 258
REFERENCES FOR BREEDING ADULT ENVIRONMENTAL ASSOC_ - 258
REFERENCES FOR EGG ENVIRONMENTAL ASSOC_ - 258
COMMENTS ON ENVIRONMENTAL ASSOCIATIONS -
Haddock inhabit cool temperate waters from inshore areas to the edge of the
continental shelf. Essentially bottom-living, haddock occur over hard,
smooth, sand, or gravel bottoms. They show marked seasonal differnces in
depth distribution, particularly in the cold water of the eastern regions.
In general, on the Scotian Shelf, they are found at depths of 27-366 m and
within a temperature range of 1-13 degrees C. In summer they spread into
the shallow, warmer water of the banks. The preferred depth in summer was
55-126 m and the preferred temperature 4-8 degrees C. In winter they
desert the open banks and move into deeper water--to depths of about 145 m
and temperatures of 2.3-3.4 degrees C.*258*
Spawning concentrations on the Scotian Shelf were mainly at depths of 91 m
or shallower, but depth and time of spawning vary according to the
population involved.*258*
Haddock eggs hatch in 25-32 d at 2.3 degrees C, in 13-24 d at 5 degrees C,
and in 9-12 d at 10 degrees C.*258*
COMMENTS ON ADULT ENVIRONMENTAL ASSOC_ -
Haddock inhabit cool temperate waters from inshore areas to the edge of the
continental shelf. Essentially bottom-living, haddock occur over hard,
smooth, sand, or gravel bottoms. They show marked seasonal differnces in
depth distribution, particularly in the cold water of the eastern regions.
In general, on the Scotian Shelf, they are found at depths of 27-366 m and
within a temperature range of 1-13 degrees C. In summer they spread into
Environment Associations - 1 (DRAFT) - Environment Associations
Species haddock
Species Id M010595
Date 27 AUG 96
the shallow, warmer water of the banks. The preferred depth in summer was
55-126 m and the preferred temperature 4-8 degrees C. In winter they
desert the open banks and move into deeper water--to depths of about 145 m
and temperatures of 2.3-3.4 degrees C.*258*
COMMENTS ON BREEDING ADULT ENVIRONMENTAL ASSOC_ -
Spawning concentrations on the Scotian Shelf were mainly at depths of 91 m
or shallower, but depth and time of spawning vary according to the
population involved.*258*
COMMENTS ON EGG ENVIRONMENTAL ASSOC_ -
Haddock eggs hatch in 25-32 d at 2.3 degrees C, in 13-24 d at 5 degrees C,
and in 9-12 d at 10 degrees C.*258*
Environment Associations - 2 (DRAFT) - Life History
Species haddock
Species Id M010595
Date 27 AUG 96
LIFE HISTORY
MORPHOLOGY/DESCRIPTION: Body heavy, elongate, laterally compressed. Head
relatively large; snout rounded, overhanging mouth; mouth small; one or two
rows of small teeth in lower jaw, several rows on upper jaw, a few teeth on
vomer; small barbel present near tip of lower jaw; eye moderately large.
Gill rakers 24-27. Branchiostegals 7. Fins: dorsals, 3, first high,
pointed, of 14-18 rays, second 20-26, third 19-24, all distinctly separate;
caudal slightly forked, lunate; anals, 2, first of 21-28 rays, second 21-25;
pelvics located in front of pectorals, second ray slightly prolonged;
pectorals high on sides. Scales small, cycloid. Lateral line distinct,
arched following dorsal contour of body, complete, distinctively black in
color. Vertebrae 52-57. Size averages 0.45-2.3 kg, seldom over 4.5 kg.
Color dark purplish gray on back, paling to silvery gray with a slight pink
iridescent cast below the black lateral line, white on the belly. There is
a distinct black blotch on the side below the lateral line and about midway
along the pectoral fin, which covers the lower portion of the blotch;
dorsal, caudal, and pelvic fins dark gray, anal fins pale like lower flanks
and black speckled at bases; pelvics white, with black speckles.*258*
REPRODUCTION: Spawning occurs form January to July in Canadian waters, and
February to May off New England. Spawning usually takes place in March on
Browns Bank, March and April on Emerald Bank, and June off Newfoundland.
Prespawning and spawning concentrations occur on Grand, Emerald, Browns, and
Georges banks. Spawning concentrations on the Scotian Shelf were mainly at
depths of 91 m or shallower, but depth and time of spawning vary according
to the population involved. Inshore spawning seems to be relatively
unimportant.*258*
There is little information on the spawning behavior. Aquarium observations
suggest the reproductive behavior is complex, and involves color changes,
sound production, and courtship displays by the male.*258*
Haddock produce many eggs. Females from the Grand Bank population averaged
about 228,000 eggs for a fish 40 cm long, 704,000 eggs for one 50 cm long,
and 1,773,000 eggs for one 60 cm long. Fecundity varies from population to
population. The eggs, similar in size to those of Atlantic cod, measure
1.3-1.6 mm in diameter, are spherical, transparent, pelagic, and without an
oil globule. After extrusion the eggs rise to the surface waters. They
hatch in 25-32 d at 2.3 degrees C, in 13-24 d at 5 degrees C, and in 9-12 d
at 10 degrees C.*258*
GROWTH: Hatching occurs when the young are 3.0-4.0 mm long. The larvae
remain in or near surface waters, living pelagically until they are over 25
mm long; then they transform to the adult form. When just under 50 mm long
they begin to seek bottom. Large numbers of juvenile haddock (aged 0-1
year) ranging in length from 6.0 to 16 cm were reported off Sable Island on
or near bottom. Males and females attained sexual maturity at ages 3-5 yr,
males usually at slightly younger age than females. In recent years there
has been a trend for haddock to attain sexual maturity at a younger age
although median length at maturity has changed little. This increase in
growth rate is probably a result of heavy commercial exploitation.*258*
Life History - 1 (DRAFT) - Life History
Species haddock
Species Id M010595
Date 27 AUG 96
There is a difference in growth rate by area. Growth rates vary from
poulation to population, and in general growth is slower in northern
populations. Before 1965, 5 yr-old-haddock averaged about 51 cm long, but
Georges Bank fish averaged 53 cm, Sable Island 46 cm, and Grand Bank 38-40
cm. These sizes are now reached at least a year earlier, that is, at age 4.
Formerly, some haddock at least reached 15 yr of age. The largest haddock
on record was caught off Iceland and was 112 cm long and weighed almost 16.8
kg.*258*
PREDATION AND COMPETITION: Haddock, particularly when young, fall prey to
many predators such as cod, pollock, and white hake. Adults are eaten by
harbor seals and grey seals.*258*
There is some competition for food between haddock and cod, particularly
when cod are feeding mainly on invertebrates, or when both are feeding on
capelin eggs.*258*
PARASITES AND DISEASE: Many parasites have been listed although little
intensive work has been done. Alimentary tract parasites of haddock from
the Scotian Shelf were studied by researchers who noted differences in the
degree of infection of fish from different regions. In all, 19 species of
parasites were found, two of which, Lepidapedon rachion and Myxidium
bergense, showed promise as biological tags. Researchers listed 22 species
of parasites from haddock as follows: four protozoans, two myxosporidians,
two trematodes, two cestodes, six nematodes, two acanthocephalans, and four
copepods.*258*
A coccidian parasite, Eimeria gadi, infecting swim bladders of haddock, was
reported by researchers. They estimated 58 percent of haddock on Emerald
Bank were infected, and as low as 4 percent on Georges Bank. Rate of
infection was highest in fall but the heaviest infections were noted in the
spring. The authors considered the infection to be fatal.*258*
LIFE HISTORY CODES -
Breeding/Spawning Season: January
Breeding/Spawning Season: February
Breeding/Spawning Season: March
Breeding Spawning Season: April
Breeding/Spawning Season: May
Breeding/Spawning Season: June
Display Site: Water
Average Number of Offspring/Reproductive Effort: Grea
REFERENCES FOR LIFE HISTORY- 258
Life History - 2 (DRAFT) - Management Practices
Species haddock
Species Id M010595
Date 27 AUG 96
MANAGEMENT PRACTICES
Management Practices - 1 (DRAFT) - References
Species haddock
Species Id M010595
Date 27 AUG 96
References
258 * Scott, W.B., M.G. Scott. 1988. Atlantic Fishes of Canada.
Canadian Bulletin of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences (219) (ed.).
University of Toronto Press Toronto, Canada:731.
References - 1