Atlantic Halibut vs Smallmouth Bass
Hippoglossus hippoglossus compared with Micropterus dolomieu
Taxonomy & Classification
| Attribute | Atlantic Halibut | Smallmouth Bass |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Hippoglossus hippoglossus | Micropterus dolomieu |
| Order | Pleuronectiformes | Centrarchiformes |
| Family | Pleuronectidae | Centrarchidae |
| Conservation Status | Endangered | Least Concern |
Physical Traits
| Attribute | Atlantic Halibut | Smallmouth Bass |
|---|---|---|
| Max Length | 470.0 cm | 69.0 cm |
| Max Weight | 320.0 kg | 5.4 kg |
| Color | Eyed side is olive-brown to dark greenish-brown with mottled paler blotches providing camouflage; blind underside is pure white; lateral line distinctly arched over the pectoral fin. | Bronze-green to golden-brown body with 13–15 irregular dark brown vertical bars or blotches on the flanks; red-orange eyes; belly pale cream; dark brown radiating lines from eye to snout. |
Habitat & Environment
| Attribute | Atlantic Halibut | Smallmouth Bass |
|---|---|---|
| Water Type | Saltwater | Freshwater |
| Depth Range | 50-2000m | 1-7m |
| Geographic Range | North Atlantic from Labrador and Greenland east to Iceland, Norway, the Barents Sea, and the British Isles. Found on sandy and gravel bottoms at depths … | Native to the St. Lawrence River and Great Lakes drainage south through the Ohio River system and upper Mississippi basin. Prefers clear, cool, rocky streams … |
| Habitat | Neritic | Clear, cool rivers and streams of eastern North America from the Great Lakes to Tennessee. Prefers rocky and gravelly substrate in moderate to fast current. … |
Fishing Information
| Attribute | Atlantic Halibut | Smallmouth Bass |
|---|---|---|
| Game Fish | Yes | Yes |
| Fight Rating | 7/10 | 8/10 |
| World Record | — | — |
| Mercury Level | — | — |
Cuisine & Edibility
Atlantic Halibut
Firm, meaty white flesh with a mild, sweet flavor and very low fat. Endangered status — sustainable sourcing essential; superb pan-seared, poached in butter, or roasted with aromatics.
Smallmouth Bass
Clean, white, mildly flavored flesh with low fat; considered slightly firmer and more flavorful than largemouth bass. Excellent pan-fried or baked; a respected table fish in the Great Lakes region.
Species Overview
Atlantic Halibut
The Atlantic halibut is the largest flatfish in the world, capable of exceeding 300 kg. Both eyes are on the right side of its body. It is a slow-growing, long-lived species that has suffered severe overfishing.
Smallmouth Bass
The smallmouth bass is widely considered the best-fighting freshwater fish pound-for-pound. Found in clear, rocky streams and lakes, it is more athletic and acrobatic than its larger cousin, the largemouth bass.