Atlantic Cod vs Great Barracuda
Gadus morhua compared with Sphyraena barracuda
Taxonomy & Classification
| Attribute | Atlantic Cod | Great Barracuda |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Gadus morhua | Sphyraena barracuda |
| Order | Gadiformes | Perciformes |
| Family | Gadidae | Sphyraenidae |
| Conservation Status | Vulnerable | Least Concern |
Physical Traits
| Attribute | Atlantic Cod | Great Barracuda |
|---|---|---|
| Max Length | 200.0 cm | 200.0 cm |
| Max Weight | 96.0 kg | 50.0 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. | Steel-gray to dark gunmetal-blue back with a pale silvery-white belly; scattered irregular dark blotches on the lower flanks; tail fin is grayish with whitish tips on both lobes. |
Habitat & Environment
| Attribute | Atlantic Cod | Great Barracuda |
|---|---|---|
| Water Type | Saltwater | Saltwater |
| Depth Range | 0-600m | 0-100m |
| 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 … | Circumtropical in shallow coastal waters of the Atlantic, Indian, and Pacific oceans. Frequents coral reefs, seagrass beds, and estuaries from Florida and the Caribbean to … |
| Habitat | Neritic, estuaries | Pelagic, coral reefs, estuaries |
Fishing Information
| Attribute | Atlantic Cod | Great Barracuda |
|---|---|---|
| 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.
Great Barracuda
Firm, lean white flesh with a mild flavor when small; larger individuals risk ciguatera fish poisoning and are generally avoided. Smaller fish eaten grilled or fried in the Caribbean.
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.
Great Barracuda
The great barracuda is a fearsome-looking predator found in tropical and subtropical oceans. With its torpedo-shaped body, pronounced underbite, and fang-like teeth, it can strike prey at speeds exceeding 58 km/h.