Atlantic Cod vs Walleye
Gadus morhua compared with Sander vitreus
Taxonomy & Classification
| Attribute | Atlantic Cod | Walleye |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Gadus morhua | Sander vitreus |
| Order | Gadiformes | Perciformes |
| Family | Gadidae | Percidae |
| Conservation Status | Vulnerable | Least Concern |
Physical Traits
| Attribute | Atlantic Cod | Walleye |
|---|---|---|
| Max Length | 200.0 cm | 107.0 cm |
| Max Weight | 96.0 kg | 11.3 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. | Golden-olive to brassy-yellow flanks with a mottled pattern of saddle-like dark blotches; distinctive white tip on lower tail lobe; large glassy eyes with reflective tapetum. |
Habitat & Environment
| Attribute | Atlantic Cod | Walleye |
|---|---|---|
| Water Type | Saltwater | Brackish |
| Depth Range | 0-600m | 0-27m |
| 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 … | Native to Canada and the northern United States, including the Great Lakes basin and major river drainages such as the Missouri and Ohio rivers. Introduced … |
| Habitat | Neritic, estuaries | Freshwater lakes and rivers of North America east of the Rockies, from Canada to Tennessee. Inhabits clear, deep lakes and large rivers over sand and … |
Fishing Information
| Attribute | Atlantic Cod | Walleye |
|---|---|---|
| Game Fish | Yes | Yes |
| Fight Rating | — | 5/10 |
| 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.
Walleye
Considered one of the best-tasting freshwater fish; sweet, flaky white flesh with very low fat. Ideal pan-fried, battered, or baked — a North American culinary favorite.
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.
Walleye
The walleye is the largest member of the perch family and the most sought-after freshwater food fish in North America. Its reflective eyes give it exceptional low-light vision, making dawn and dusk prime feeding times.