The Codfishes
BODY more or less elongate, the caudal region moderate, coniform behind, and with the caudal rays procurrent above and below; vent submedian; scales small, cycloid; mouth large, terminal; chin with a barbel more or less developed; gill-openings very wide; gill-membranes separate or sometimes united, commonly free from the isthmus; no spines in the fins, the rays all reticulated; dorsal fin extending almost the whole length of the back, forming 1, 2 or 3 fins; anal fin long, single or divided; caudal fin distinct, or confluent with the dorsal and anal; ventral fins jugular, each of 1 to 8 branched rays; no pseudobranchiae; air-bladder generally well developed.
