Gadus morhua inhabits the northern Atlantic Ocean and adjacent waters of the Arctic Ocean. It prefers areas with folded bottom topography and usually lives in depths of between 20 and 250 meters. It has a small, narrow head. The color of its back and flanks depends on habitat conditions; it is usually sandy brown with a greenish tint and a pattern of spots. An adult specimen is usually no longer than 1.5 m in length and weighs 50 kg. The maximum recorded length was 2.2 m, weight 100 kg. When fishing for trophy cod, bottom tackle with large baits and large pieces of dead fish are used.