* Camouflage: They have a silvery, mottled coloration that helps them blend in with their surroundings, making them harder for predators to spot.
* Schooling: Cod often form large schools, making it difficult for predators to pick off individuals. The sheer number of fish can overwhelm potential attackers and confuse them.
* Speed: While not the fastest fish, cod can swim quickly in short bursts, allowing them to escape danger.
* Defensive behavior: When threatened, cod may use their sharp teeth and powerful jaws to defend themselves. However, they are not generally aggressive and prefer to flee.
* Slime: Their skin produces a slime coating that can help deter parasites and predators.
However, Atlantic cod are not particularly well-equipped to defend themselves from larger predators like seals, sharks, and larger fish. Their primary defense mechanism is hiding and blending in with their surroundings.