Atlantic Cod vs Common Snook
Gadus morhua compared with Centropomus undecimalis
Taxonomy & Classification
| Attribute | Atlantic Cod | Common Snook |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Gadus morhua | Centropomus undecimalis |
| Order | Gadiformes | Carangaria/misc |
| Family | Gadidae | Centropomidae |
| Conservation Status | Vulnerable | Least Concern |
Physical Traits
| Attribute | Atlantic Cod | Common Snook |
|---|---|---|
| Max Length | 200.0 cm | 140.0 cm |
| Max Weight | 96.0 kg | 24.3 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. | Pale golden-olive to grayish-brown back with silvery flanks; a bold black lateral stripe runs from the operculum to the tail; belly pale yellow-white; fins are yellowish with a dusky posterior dorsal fin. |
Habitat & Environment
| Attribute | Atlantic Cod | Common Snook |
|---|---|---|
| Water Type | Saltwater | Freshwater & Saltwater |
| Depth Range | 0-600m | ?-22m |
| 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 … | Western Atlantic from South Carolina south through the Gulf of Mexico, entire Caribbean, and along the Atlantic and Pacific coasts of Central America to Brazil. … |
| Habitat | Neritic, estuaries | Neritic, estuaries |
Fishing Information
| Attribute | Atlantic Cod | Common Snook |
|---|---|---|
| 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.
Common Snook
Sweet, firm white flesh with a mild, clean flavor; low fat and large flakes. Highly regarded as table fare in Florida and the Caribbean; excellent grilled, blackened, or pan-seared.
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.
Common Snook
The common snook is a prized inshore game fish found in tropical western Atlantic waters. It is highly sensitive to cold water and cannot survive temperatures below 12 degrees Celsius. Its lateral line is distinctive — a bold black stripe.