https://cdn.fishfyi.com/og/es/compare/atlantic-cod-vs-electric-eel.png

Bacalao del Atlántico vs Electric Eel

Gadus morhua comparado con Electrophorus electricus

Taxonomy & Classification

Atributo Bacalao del Atlántico Electric Eel
Nombre Científico Gadus morhua Electrophorus electricus
Orden Gadiformes Gymnotiformes
Familia Gadidae Gymnotidae
Conservation Status Vulnerable Least Concern

Physical Traits

Atributo Bacalao del Atlántico Electric Eel
Longitud Máxima 200,0 cm 250,0 cm
Peso Máximo 96,0 kg 20,0 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-gray to grayish-brown cylinder-shaped body with a pale yellowish-orange throat and chin; back uniformly dark; scaleless skin has a smooth appearance; long ribbon-like anal fin is pinkish.

Habitat & Environment

Atributo Bacalao del Atlántico Electric Eel
Tipo de Agua Saltwater Freshwater
Rango de Profundidad 0-600m
Distribución Geográfica 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 the Orinoco and Amazon river basins in Venezuela, Guyana, Suriname, and Brazil. Inhabits murky, oxygen-depleted floodplain pools, swamps, and slow-moving streams in lowland …
Hábitat Neritic, estuaries Estuaries

Información de Pesca

Atributo Bacalao del Atlántico Electric Eel
Pez de Pesca Deportiva No
Clasificación de Pelea
Récord Mundial
Nivel de Mercurio

Cuisine & Edibility

Bacalao del Atlántico

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.

Electric Eel

Not consumed — an ornamental and scientific novelty species kept in specialized aquarium exhibits; edible in principle but extremely dangerous to handle due to powerful electric discharge.

Species Overview

Bacalao del Atlántico

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.

Electric Eel

Despite its name, the electric eel is not a true eel but a knifefish. It can generate electrical discharges of up to 860 volts to stun prey and defend itself. About 80% of its body is dedicated to three electric organs.

Related Comparisons

Nature FYI Family

Explore more wildlife and biodiversity encyclopedias