Lingcod

Description:

These are Lings in the Edmonds underwater sanctuary. No one is allowed to harvest or remove anything from this 27 acre park. Since divers frequently visit this area the cods are comfortable with you getting close to them (as long as there are no sharp movements). Visibility was not good this day.

Habitat:

North Pacific waters off the west coast of North America.

Notes:

Starting in October, lingcod migrate to nearshore spawning grounds. The males migrate first, and establish nest sites in strong current areas in rock crevices or on ledges. Spawning takes place between December and March, and females leave the nest site immediately after depositing eggs. Males actively defend the nest from predators until the eggs hatch in early March through late April. The males do get very aggressive and will bump you to make you leave!