: During spawning, males exhibit significantly higher activity levels than females, often dwelling deeper (typically >20 m) where they engage in territorial and agonistic (aggressive) behaviors.
: Successful courtship concludes with a ventral mount , where the male swims beneath the female, grasping her with his pelvic fins to release sperm as she releases eggs. Morphological and Genetic Traits male-cod
In biological studies, the ( Gadus morhua ) is a primary subject for understanding complex marine mating systems, reproductive physiology, and sexual dimorphism. Research often focuses on their "lekking" behavior—a system where males compete in a display area to attract females—and the specific physiological adaptations that support this. Reproductive Biology and Behavior : During spawning
: Studies describe the cod mating system as a "lek," where males assemble to perform competitive displays. This behavior includes: and sexual dimorphism.