Urophycis regia (Walbaum, 1792)
Spotted codling
photo by Crippen, C.

Family:  Phycidae (Phycid hakes)
Max. size:  43 cm TL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  demersal; marine; depth range 0 - 494 m, non-migratory
Distribution:  Northwest Atlantic: Canada to southern New England to the northeast coast of Florida; also found in the northeastern Gulf of Mexico.
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 0-0; Anal spines: 0-0. Upper limb of the first gill arch with 2 or 3 rakers. Head with a series of dark spots; opercle with a dusky blotch. First dorsal fin with a dark blotch and a distinct white margin.
Biology:  Found onshore, most common between 110 and 185 m. Feed on crustaceans, and possibly fish and squids. Juveniles spend part of their time in estuaries.
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 16 September 2014 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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