Atlantic Cod vs Wels Catfish
Gadus morhua compared with Silurus glanis
Taxonomy & Classification
| Attribute | Atlantic Cod | Wels Catfish |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Gadus morhua | Silurus glanis |
| Order | Gadiformes | Siluriformes |
| Family | Gadidae | Siluridae |
| Conservation Status | Vulnerable | Least Concern |
Physical Traits
| Attribute | Atlantic Cod | Wels Catfish |
|---|---|---|
| Max Length | 200.0 cm | 500.0 cm |
| Max Weight | 96.0 kg | 300.0 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. | Dark olive-green to slate-gray back with irregular mottled marbling of darker blotches; flanks grade to olive-yellow; scaleless smooth skin; belly pale cream to yellowish-white; head broad and flat. |
Habitat & Environment
| Attribute | Atlantic Cod | Wels Catfish |
|---|---|---|
| Water Type | Saltwater | Brackish |
| Depth Range | 0-600m | 0-30m |
| 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 large river systems and lakes of central and eastern Europe from the Rhine basin east to the Caspian and Aral sea drainages. Introduced … |
| Habitat | Neritic, estuaries | Large rivers, lakes, and reservoirs across Europe and Asia (Volga, Danube, Rhine, Ob). Inhabits deep, slow-moving freshwater with soft substrates. Tolerates turbid water (15-25°C). Highly … |
Fishing Information
| Attribute | Atlantic Cod | Wels Catfish |
|---|---|---|
| Game Fish | Yes | Yes |
| Fight Rating | — | 9/10 |
| 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.
Wels Catfish
Fatty, soft flesh with a mild, slightly sweet flavor; quality improves from cold, clean water fish. Popular in Central European cuisines — commonly smoked, fried, or braised with vegetables.
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.
Wels Catfish
The wels catfish is the largest freshwater fish in Europe, capable of exceeding 5 meters. Found in large rivers and lakes across the continent, it has been documented beaching itself to catch pigeons. It can live over 80 years.