Atlantic Cod vs Atlantic Halibut
Gadus morhua compared with Hippoglossus hippoglossus
Taxonomy & Classification
| Attribute | Atlantic Cod | Atlantic Halibut |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Gadus morhua | Hippoglossus hippoglossus |
| Order | Gadiformes | Pleuronectiformes |
| Family | Gadidae | Pleuronectidae |
| Conservation Status | Vulnerable | Endangered |
Physical Traits
| Attribute | Atlantic Cod | Atlantic Halibut |
|---|---|---|
| Max Length | 200.0 cm | 470.0 cm |
| Max Weight | 96.0 kg | 320.0 kg |
| Color | Brown to olive-green or grayish back densely speckled with small pale spots; pale lateral line clearly visible; belly white to cream; three distinct dorsal fins and two anal fins are yellowish-tan. | Eyed side is olive-brown to dark greenish-brown with mottled paler blotches providing camouflage; blind underside is pure white; lateral line distinctly arched over the pectoral fin. |
Habitat & Environment
| Attribute | Atlantic Cod | Atlantic Halibut |
|---|---|---|
| Water Type | Saltwater | Saltwater |
| Depth Range | 0-600m | 50-2000m |
| Geographic Range | North Atlantic from the Labrador Sea and Grand Banks of Newfoundland east to Iceland, Norway, and the Barents Sea. Historically abundant on the Georges and … | North Atlantic from Labrador and Greenland east to Iceland, Norway, the Barents Sea, and the British Isles. Found on sandy and gravel bottoms at depths … |
| Habitat | Neritic, estuaries | Neritic |
Fishing Information
| Attribute | Atlantic Cod | Atlantic Halibut |
|---|---|---|
| Game Fish | Yes | Yes |
| Fight Rating | — | 7/10 |
| World Record | — | — |
| Mercury Level | — | — |
Cuisine & Edibility
Atlantic Cod
Iconic mild white flesh, low fat, and a flaky texture; the backbone of fish-and-chips and salt cod traditions worldwide. Currently Vulnerable; sustainable sourcing is strongly recommended.
Atlantic Halibut
Firm, meaty white flesh with a mild, sweet flavor and very low fat. Endangered status — sustainable sourcing essential; superb pan-seared, poached in butter, or roasted with aromatics.
Species Overview
Atlantic Cod
The Atlantic cod is one of the most historically important commercial fish species. Its mild, flaky white flesh has been a staple food in Europe for centuries. Overfishing caused the collapse of the Grand Banks fishery in 1992.
Atlantic Halibut
The Atlantic halibut is the largest flatfish in the world, capable of exceeding 300 kg. Both eyes are on the right side of its body. It is a slow-growing, long-lived species that has suffered severe overfishing.