Relative of the cod (4) - Crossword Clue
Answer: CUSK
Understanding the Clue: Relative of the Cod (4)
- The answer to "Relative of the cod (4)" is CUSK, a fascinating fish species that frequently appears in crossword puzzles.
- This four-letter word refers to a marine fish closely related to the cod family, making it a perfect fit for this common crossword clue.
Related Fish Species in Crossword Puzzles
- Four-letter fish answers: BASS, CARP, TUNA, SOLE, PIKE, SHAD, OPAH
- Cod family relatives: HAKE (4 letters), LING (4 letters), HADDOCK (7 letters), POLLOCK (7 letters)
- Other marine answers: SKATE, WHITING, BURBOT (another member of the cod order)
- Understanding these interconnected terms strengthens your crossword-solving skills and builds a robust mental database for tackling fish-related clues across difficulty levels.
Expert Tips for Solving Fish-Related Crossword Clues
- When you encounter marine life clues in crosswords, consider these strategic approaches. First, count the letters carefully—many fish names exist in both short and long variations.
- Second, consider the puzzle's difficulty level; Monday puzzles typically use familiar fish like BASS or TUNA, while Thursday through Saturday puzzles more frequently feature specialized terms like CUSK.
- Pay attention to the clue's specific wording. Phrases like "relative of" or "cousin of" signal that you're looking for a fish in the same family rather than a synonym.
- Geographic hints such as "Atlantic," "Pacific," or "tropical" can narrow your options significantly.
- Finally, if the clue mentions commercial fishing, food preparation, or historical importance, you're likely dealing with an edible species that has been economically significant.
Relative of the cod (4) - 7 Little Words - FAQs
Q: Is cusk the same as cod?
No, cusk is a separate species (Brosme brosme) that's related to cod but belongs to a different family. It has a single continuous dorsal fin, unlike the cod's three separate fins.
Q: How is cusk pronounced?
CUSK is pronounced exactly as it's spelled: "kusk" (rhymes with "dusk").
Q: Can I eat cusk fish?
Yes, cusk is edible with white, firm flesh similar to cod. However, due to population declines, it's less commonly available in markets today.
Q: Why is this crossword answer so popular?
The four-letter length, useful letter combination (especially the K), and moderate difficulty level make CUSK ideal for crossword construction.
Q: Are there other crossword answers for "relative of the cod"?
Yes, depending on letter count: HAKE (4), LING (4), HADDOCK (7), POLLOCK (7), and WHITING (7) are all cod relatives that appear in puzzles.
