Atlantic Cod vs Red Snapper
Gadus morhua compared with Lutjanus campechanus
Taxonomy & Classification
| Attribute | Atlantic Cod | Red Snapper |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Gadus morhua | Lutjanus campechanus |
| Order | Gadiformes | Perciformes |
| Family | Gadidae | Lutjanidae |
| Conservation Status | Vulnerable | Vulnerable |
Physical Traits
| Attribute | Atlantic Cod | Red Snapper |
|---|---|---|
| Max Length | 200.0 cm | 100.0 cm |
| Max Weight | 96.0 kg | 22.8 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. | Uniform rosy-red to brick-red over the entire body and fins; belly slightly paler pink-red; juveniles may show a dark spot at the lateral line below the anterior dorsal fin. |
Habitat & Environment
| Attribute | Atlantic Cod | Red Snapper |
|---|---|---|
| Water Type | Saltwater | Saltwater |
| Depth Range | 0-600m | 10-190m |
| 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 North Carolina to Yucatan, concentrated in the Gulf of Mexico and Caribbean. Associates with rocky reefs, artificial structures, and hard-bottom habitat … |
| Habitat | Neritic, estuaries | Neritic, coral reefs |
Fishing Information
| Attribute | Atlantic Cod | Red Snapper |
|---|---|---|
| Game Fish | Yes | Yes |
| Fight Rating | — | 6/10 |
| 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 Snapper
Moist, sweet white flesh with a nutty undertone and firm texture. Prized for whole roasting, pan-searing, and ceviche; a cornerstone of Gulf Coast and Caribbean cuisines.
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 Snapper
The red snapper is one of the most commercially valuable reef fish in the Gulf of Mexico. With its distinctive rose-red body and pointed anal fin, it inhabits rocky reefs and artificial structures at depths of 10-190 meters.