Lingcod, which are neither cod nor lings, appear in a variety of colors. Testosterone causes some male lingcod to turn black. Additionally, lingcod flesh is sometimes green, but turns white when cooked.

Specimens in excess of 6 feet have been reported but never recorded. Female lingcod grow larger than males.

Large lingcod, which are sometimes called bucketheads, may cannibalize smaller ones.

When guarding an egg mass, testosterone-fuelled male lingcod may try to nip at divers.