Atlantic Cod vs Electric Eel
Gadus morhua compared with Electrophorus electricus
Taxonomy & Classification
| Attribute | Atlantic Cod | Electric Eel |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Gadus morhua | Electrophorus electricus |
| Order | Gadiformes | Gymnotiformes |
| Family | Gadidae | Gymnotidae |
| Conservation Status | Vulnerable | Least Concern |
Physical Traits
| Attribute | Atlantic Cod | Electric Eel |
|---|---|---|
| Max Length | 200.0 cm | 250.0 cm |
| Max Weight | 96.0 kg | 20.0 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. | Dark olive-gray to grayish-brown cylinder-shaped body with a pale yellowish-orange throat and chin; back uniformly dark; scaleless skin has a smooth appearance; long ribbon-like anal fin is pinkish. |
Habitat & Environment
| Attribute | Atlantic Cod | Electric Eel |
|---|---|---|
| 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 … | Native to the Orinoco and Amazon river basins in Venezuela, Guyana, Suriname, and Brazil. Inhabits murky, oxygen-depleted floodplain pools, swamps, and slow-moving streams in lowland … |
| Habitat | Neritic, estuaries | Estuaries |
Fishing Information
| Attribute | Atlantic Cod | Electric Eel |
|---|---|---|
| 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.
Electric Eel
Not consumed — an ornamental and scientific novelty species kept in specialized aquarium exhibits; edible in principle but extremely dangerous to handle due to powerful electric discharge.
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.
Electric Eel
Despite its name, the electric eel is not a true eel but a knifefish. It can generate electrical discharges of up to 860 volts to stun prey and defend itself. About 80% of its body is dedicated to three electric organs.