Crossword Genius

Keepers at zoo looking after cod (6)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

ersatz

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'cod' is the definition.
Both the definition and answer are adjectives. Maybe there's a link between them I don't understand?

'keepers at zoo looking' is the wordplay.
'ERSATZ' is hidden in amongst the letters.
But, I'm uncertain how this is indicated.

'after' acts as a link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for ersatz that I've seen before include "Imitation, not the real thing" , "Made in imitation - in Germany" , "'Artificial, not genuine (6)'" , "Imitation or substitute, from German" , "unnatural" .)

I've seen this clue in The Independent.
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