Atlantic Cod vs Summer Flounder
Gadus morhua compared with Paralichthys dentatus
Taxonomy & Classification
| Attribute | Atlantic Cod | Summer Flounder |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Gadus morhua | Paralichthys dentatus |
| Order | Gadiformes | Pleuronectiformes |
| Family | Gadidae | Paralichthyidae |
| Conservation Status | Vulnerable | Least Concern |
Physical Traits
| Attribute | Atlantic Cod | Summer Flounder |
|---|---|---|
| Max Length | 200.0 cm | 94.0 cm |
| Max Weight | 96.0 kg | 12.0 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. | Eyed side is brownish to gray-green with a mottled pattern of pale blotches; 12–14 distinct pale-edged dark ocelli (eyespots) scattered across the body; blind side is plain white; color changes with substrate. |
Habitat & Environment
| Attribute | Atlantic Cod | Summer Flounder |
|---|---|---|
| Water Type | Saltwater | Saltwater |
| Depth Range | 0-600m | 10-183m |
| 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 Nova Scotia south to Florida and the northern Gulf of Mexico. Undertakes seasonal offshore migration to deeper Continental Shelf waters in … |
| Habitat | Neritic, estuaries | Neritic, demersal, estuaries |
Fishing Information
| Attribute | Atlantic Cod | Summer Flounder |
|---|---|---|
| Game Fish | Yes | Yes |
| Fight Rating | — | 4/10 |
| 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.
Summer Flounder
Thin, delicate white fillets with a sweet, mild flavor and very low fat. Prized on the U.S. East Coast; superb pan-fried in butter, stuffed and baked, or prepared as ceviche.
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.
Summer Flounder
The summer flounder, or fluke, is a flatfish that lies camouflaged on the ocean floor. Born with eyes on both sides, one eye migrates to the left side during development. An ambush predator, it explodes upward to grab passing prey.