Atlantic Cod vs Yellow Perch
Gadus morhua compared with Perca flavescens
Taxonomy & Classification
| Attribute | Atlantic Cod | Yellow Perch |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Gadus morhua | Perca flavescens |
| Order | Gadiformes | Perciformes |
| Family | Gadidae | Percidae |
| Conservation Status | Vulnerable | Least Concern |
Physical Traits
| Attribute | Atlantic Cod | Yellow Perch |
|---|---|---|
| Max Length | 200.0 cm | 50.0 cm |
| Max Weight | 96.0 kg | 1.9 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. | Bright golden-yellow body with 6–8 broad dark olive-green vertical saddle-bars; belly pale yellow to white; paired and anal fins are vivid orange to red; two separate dorsal fins, the first dark-spined. |
Habitat & Environment
| Attribute | Atlantic Cod | Yellow Perch |
|---|---|---|
| Water Type | Saltwater | Brackish |
| Depth Range | 0-600m | 0-56m |
| 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 freshwater and slightly brackish lakes and rivers of central and eastern Canada and the northern United States, including all five Great Lakes. Abundant … |
| Habitat | Neritic, estuaries | Estuaries |
Fishing Information
| Attribute | Atlantic Cod | Yellow Perch |
|---|---|---|
| Game Fish | Yes | Yes |
| Fight Rating | — | 3/10 |
| 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.
Yellow Perch
Sweet, clean white flesh with very low fat and a delicate texture; among the most prized freshwater eating fish in the Great Lakes region. Best pan-fried or sautéed simply in 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.
Yellow Perch
The yellow perch is a schooling fish found in lakes and slow rivers across North America. Its golden-yellow body with dark vertical bars is unmistakable. Its sweet, firm white flesh makes it one of the finest-tasting freshwater fish.