Atlantic Cod vs Striped Bass
Gadus morhua compared with Morone saxatilis
Taxonomy & Classification
| Attribute | Atlantic Cod | Striped Bass |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Gadus morhua | Morone saxatilis |
| Order | Gadiformes | Perciformes |
| Family | Gadidae | Moronidae |
| Conservation Status | Vulnerable | Least Concern |
Physical Traits
| Attribute | Atlantic Cod | Striped Bass |
|---|---|---|
| Max Length | 200.0 cm | 200.0 cm |
| Max Weight | 96.0 kg | 57.0 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. | Silvery-white flanks with 7–8 continuous dark horizontal stripes running from gill plate to tail; back is olive-gray to greenish; belly white; spiny and soft dorsal fins separate and dusky. |
Habitat & Environment
| Attribute | Atlantic Cod | Striped Bass |
|---|---|---|
| Water Type | Saltwater | Freshwater & Saltwater |
| Depth Range | 0-600m | 30-?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 … | Atlantic coast of North America from the St. Lawrence River south to the Gulf of Mexico. Anadromous; spawns in freshwater rivers like the Chesapeake Bay … |
| Habitat | Neritic, estuaries | Estuaries |
Fishing Information
| Attribute | Atlantic Cod | Striped Bass |
|---|---|---|
| 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.
Striped Bass
Sweet, tender white flesh with moderate fat and a clean ocean flavor. Highly regarded on the East Coast; superb roasted whole, grilled as fillets, or pan-seared with butter.
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.
Striped Bass
The striped bass is an anadromous species native to the Atlantic coast of North America. It migrates seasonally along the coast and up rivers to spawn, providing exceptional fishing from surf, boat, and shore.