Brosme brosme
Cusk sheltering under a rocky ledge surrounded by soft sediment and live seep mussels. Photo obtained during the Deepwater Canyons 2012 Expedition. Credit: NOAA-OER/BOEM
Cusk sheltering under a rocky ledge surrounded by soft sediment and live seep mussels. Photo obtained during the Deepwater Canyons 2012 Expedition. Credit: NOAA-OER/BOEM
Cusk is a deep water species found in rocky, hard bottom areas to a depth of 328 feet. It is a very unique species of fish as it's the only one in its taxonomic genus of Brosme. Cusk is relatively slow-growing and late-maturing, and the maximum age of this species is believed to be greater than 14 years.
Due to concerns over the status of cusk, NOAA Fisheries initiated a status review of this species in March 2007. This status review will be used to determine whether listing of cusk as a threatened or endangered species under the Endangered Species Act is warranted. During this time, cusk is listed as a candidate species under the ESA.
| Kingdom | Animalia | Phylum | Chordata | Class | Actinopterygii | Order | Gadiformes | Family | Lotidae | Genus | Brosme | Species | brosme |
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Highflyers, part of the fishing gear, are stored onboard in between fishing efforts. Credit: NOAA Fisheries/Dave McElroy
