Cod can be spawned in captivity without any handling. After fertilization, the eggs rise slowly and remain at or near the surface. They usually incubate under cool water temperatures. They then remain pelagic until they are 25 to 50 mm long. At this time, they descend to the bottom of the waters.
Fish seem to grow slower and live longer off Newfoundland and Labrador.
There is a decline in growth rate foru to five months prior to spaswning, and a loss of weight three months prior to spawning. Generally, spawners reach a maximum weight of 2 kg just prior to spawning. 1999 Holy Cross School Complex.