GENUS MICROGADUS GILL 

 The Tomcods 



These are very small codfishes allied to Gadns hnX with the 

 vent placed before'the second dorsal and with a ditterent structure 

 of the cranium. 



Thr'fir" of^'hesfis the common tomcod. M/o,«.o./ which 

 is found on our Atlantic Coast from Virginu, to Cape Sah^e. 

 may be distinguished by the possession of 21 or 22 rays m 



''"''ihou.h usually known as the tomcod, it is in many places 

 called the" frostllsh because it is most abundant ,n early wmter 



when it approaches the shores and even ascends r.vers and creeks 

 for spawning purposes. It has been taken tn the Kem *ec ^.ver 

 60 m'les from its "-uth and far above the reach of the t.deWhn 

 ascending rivers thev are taken in large numbeis w.th d.p-nets 

 with hook and line at bridges and wharves. 



Though most abundant in winter they may be found along 

 the shore at all seasons. difficultv 



In form the tomcod is ^ ^ ■;f ^s^et; T t mco" 

 in distinguishing the young of the 2 species, ine 

 exceeds °a foot in length, feeds "P°" -•"^:.^"^";' '™"";'; '" 

 small fishes, and is esteemed in many localities as a delicacy. 



5" 



