Rock cod is the market name for rockfish, a saltwater fish native to the Eastern Pacific. This fish is also sometimes labeled as “Pacific snapper” or “red snapper,” capitalizing on consumer demand for snapper. Consumers may want to be aware that snappers do not live off the West Coast of North America, with the bulk of this delicately flavored fish coming from Australia and the East Coast of the United States, so a fish which claims to be snapper cannot come from the Eastern Pacific.

Rockfishes live in shallow offshore waters, and they come in a variety of shapes and sizes. The types most commonly fished commercially have firm, lean white flesh which cooks to a flaky texture when cooked. Rock cod has a very mild flavor, and the meat is quite versatile. However, the flesh is not quite as tender and slightly sweet as snapper, so people are often disappointed when they purchase rock cod which has been inappropriately labeled as snapper.

Because rock cod is a firm-fleshed fish, it is ideal for cooking techniques such as grilling and frying. Rock cod also performs very well in the oven and in the steamer, and the mild-flavored flesh takes flavorings and marinades quite readily. This fish should always be tested to make sure that it is fully cooked before serving. Fully cooked rock cod will have opaque flesh which is also slightly moist.

There are some ecological concerns involved with rock cod which conscientious consumers may want to be aware of. Trawled rock cod is not recommended by many seafood advocacy organizations, because trawling can damage the ocean floor and hurt other fish species. Line-caught rock cod is a reasonably good choice, although because these fish take a long time to mature, rock cod populations are very vulnerable to overfishing.

The persistent abuse of labeling in fish markets is also a concern, because purchasers may not be aware of the true identity of the fish they are buying. Fish labeled as “snapper” in many markets is commonly rock cod or another fish species, for example, and rock cod isn't even a true cod, just to add to the confusion. Fish markets are not always aware of the problems with their labeling, since once a fish has been cut up for sale, it can be difficult to tell what species it is without genetic testing. Consumers who are concerned about truth in fish labeling may want to consider purchasing only whole fish, which are much easier to identify.