Lingcod is not a true cod, but a member of the family Hexagrammidae, the most commercially important of the greenlings found in the Pacific. In varied markets and regions, it is called blue cod, buffalo cod, green cod, greenling, leopard cod, and cultus cod. It is sometimes spelled ling cod, although the one-word spelling is scientifically favoured. Unlike true cod, it is slender, with a long continuous dorsal fin, large mouth and prominent teeth. It is mottled dark grey and brown. Typically, it is 1 metre long, weighing 4.5 to 5.4 kilograms, although fish weighing 27 kilograms have been caught. Lingcod is harvested year round by bottom trawl and is available fresh and frozen, whole and fillets. Lingcod is a lean fish whose flesh turns white when cooked.

The raw meat may sometimes have a green tint - this is natural and cooks up to a bright white. The meat is mild with large mild soft flakes. A favorite in the Pacific Northwest.