Atlantic Cod vs Atlantic Salmon
Gadus morhua compared with Salmo salar
Taxonomy & Classification
| Attribute | Atlantic Cod | Atlantic Salmon |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Gadus morhua | Salmo salar |
| Order | Gadiformes | Salmoniformes |
| Family | Gadidae | Salmonidae |
| Conservation Status | Vulnerable | Least Concern |
Physical Traits
| Attribute | Atlantic Cod | Atlantic Salmon |
|---|---|---|
| Max Length | 200.0 cm | 150.0 cm |
| Max Weight | 96.0 kg | 46.8 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. | Silvery flanks with a blue-green back; sea-run fish are nearly spotless with a few scattered X-shaped dark spots above the lateral line and pinkish-red tones at spawning. |
Habitat & Environment
| Attribute | Atlantic Cod | Atlantic Salmon |
|---|---|---|
| Water Type | Saltwater | Freshwater & Saltwater |
| Depth Range | 0-600m | 0-210m |
| 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 Ocean from northeastern North America to western Europe, including rivers of Canada, Norway, Iceland, and the British Isles. Anadromous populations spawn in cold, … |
| Habitat | Neritic, estuaries | Neritic |
Fishing Information
| Attribute | Atlantic Cod | Atlantic Salmon |
|---|---|---|
| Game Fish | Yes | Yes |
| Fight Rating | — | 8/10 |
| 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 Salmon
Rich, buttery flesh with high omega-3 fat content and a distinctly full flavor. Versatile in the kitchen — superb grilled, poached, smoked, or served raw as sashimi.
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 Salmon
The Atlantic salmon is an anadromous species that migrates from the ocean to freshwater rivers to spawn. Renowned among fly fishers, it is also one of the most important farmed fish species globally.