Atlantic Cod vs Red Drum
Gadus morhua compared with Sciaenops ocellatus
Taxonomy & Classification
| Attribute | Atlantic Cod | Red Drum |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Gadus morhua | Sciaenops ocellatus |
| Order | Gadiformes | Perciformes |
| Family | Gadidae | Sciaenidae |
| Conservation Status | Vulnerable | Least Concern |
Physical Traits
| Attribute | Atlantic Cod | Red Drum |
|---|---|---|
| Max Length | 200.0 cm | 155.0 cm |
| Max Weight | 96.0 kg | 45.0 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. | Coppery-bronze to reddish-orange flanks with a characteristic black eyespot at the upper tail base; back is darker bronze-olive; belly pale to silvery; fins match body tone with dusky margins. |
Habitat & Environment
| Attribute | Atlantic Cod | Red Drum |
|---|---|---|
| Water Type | Saltwater | Freshwater & Saltwater |
| Depth Range | 0-600m | 10-?m |
| 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 North Atlantic from Massachusetts south through the Gulf of Mexico and Caribbean. Adults favor open nearshore reefs and coastal surf zones while juveniles inhabit … |
| Habitat | Neritic, estuaries | Estuaries |
Fishing Information
| Attribute | Atlantic Cod | Red Drum |
|---|---|---|
| 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.
Red Drum
Firm, white flesh with a mild, sweet flavor and moderate fat; smaller fish (under 27 inches) are the best table size. Famous as 'blackened redfish' — a Louisiana Cajun culinary classic.
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.
Red Drum
The red drum, or redfish, is an iconic inshore game fish of the Atlantic and Gulf coasts. Identified by the distinctive black spot at the base of its tail, it feeds by tipping head-down in shallow water, exposing its copper-colored tail.