The Moridae are a family of

cod Cod (: cod) is the common name for the demersal fish genus ''Gadus'', belonging to the family (biology), family Gadidae. Cod is also used as part of the common name for a number of other fish species, and one species that belongs to genus ''Gad ...

-like fishes, known as codlings, hakelings, and moras. Morids are marine fishes found throughout the world, and may be found at depths to , although most prefer shallower waters. In appearance, they greatly resemble the typical cods, from which can only be distinguished by their skeletal features and the structure of the

swim bladder The swim bladder, gas bladder, fish maw, or air bladder is an internal gas-filled organ (anatomy), organ in bony fish that functions to modulate buoyancy, and thus allowing the fish to stay at desired water depth without having to maintain lift ...

. They grow up to long (

red codling The red codling or hoka (''Pseudophycis bachus'') is a morid cod of the genus ''Pseudophycis'', restricted to New Zealand, from the surface to 700 m. A closely related species, ''Pseudophycis barbata'', is found in Australia. It reaches lengths u ...

, ''Pseudophycis bachus''). The earliest fossil member of the group is '' Eophycis'' from the Early Oligocene of Europe.

References

* Euteleostei families {{Gadiformes-stub