Atlantic Cod vs Discus
Gadus morhua compared with Symphysodon discus
Taxonomy & Classification
| Attribute | Atlantic Cod | Discus |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Gadus morhua | Symphysodon discus |
| Order | Gadiformes | Cichliformes |
| Family | Gadidae | Cichlidae |
| Conservation Status | Vulnerable | Least Concern |
Physical Traits
| Attribute | Atlantic Cod | Discus |
|---|---|---|
| Max Length | 200.0 cm | 20.0 cm |
| Max Weight | 96.0 kg | 0.25 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. | Deep-bodied disc shape with vibrant turquoise-blue wavy horizontal lines over a reddish-brown to orange-brown base; fins edged in vivid blue with red striping; wild forms show 9 dark vertical bars. |
Habitat & Environment
| Attribute | Atlantic Cod | Discus |
|---|---|---|
| Water Type | Saltwater | Freshwater |
| Depth Range | 0-600m | — |
| 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 … | Restricted to the central Amazon River basin in Brazil, particularly around the confluence of the Rio Negro and Rio Solimões. Prefers warm, soft, highly acidic … |
| Habitat | Neritic, estuaries | Warm, blackwater rivers of the Amazon basin, particularly the Rio Negro and tributaries. Prefers soft, acidic water (pH 4.5-6.5, 26-31°C) with driftwood and minimal current. … |
Aquarium Suitability
| Attribute | Atlantic Cod | Discus |
|---|---|---|
| Min Tank Size | — | 250 L |
| Temperature | — | 26-30 |
| pH Range | — | 5.0-7.0 |
| Care Level | — | Difficult |
| Temperament | — | Peaceful |
Fishing Information
| Attribute | Atlantic Cod | Discus |
|---|---|---|
| Game Fish | Yes | No |
| Fight Rating | — | — |
| 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.
Discus
Not consumed — a prized ornamental aquarium fish known as the 'king of the aquarium' for its disc-shaped body and brilliant colors.
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.
Discus
The discus is often called the 'King of the Aquarium' for its disc-shaped body and stunning color patterns. Native to the Amazon floodplains, it requires warm, soft, acidic water and feeds its fry with a mucus secretion from its skin.