What is the Difference Between Halibut and Cod

Halibut and Cod are two fish types that are very popular in the fish industry. These fish have different characteristics and are favored by culinary enthusiasts all over the world.  However, halibut is higher-priced than cod due to its large size.

The key difference between halibut and cod is their size and habitat. Halibut is a large flat fish found in the cold coastal waters of the Northern Hemisphere, while cod is a group of fish in the family of Gadidae found in the North Atlantic and Arctic Oceans.

CONTENTS

1. Overview and Key Difference
2. What is Halibut 
3. What is Cod
4. Similarities – Halibut and Cod
5. Halibut vs Cod in Tabular Form
6. Summary – Halibut vs Cod
7. FAQ – Halibut and Cod

What is Halibut?

Halibut is a very popular large flat fish with eyes on one side. It is diamond-shaped and has a continuous dorsal fin. Halibut is around 8 feet long. This fish has a mild to delicate flavor and a firm to meaty texture. It is less abundant and is found primarily in cold, coastal waters.

Figure 01: Halibut

Halibut fish is an opportunistic predator and feeds on fish, squid, crustaceans, and other marine organisms. Halibut is high in protein and omega-3 fatty acids. Halibut is also more expensive due to its scarcity.

What is Cod?

Cod is a group of fish in the Gadidae family. It is streamlined with a broad square tail fin. Cods are strong to meaty in flavor and soft to flaky in texture. They are medium—to large-sized fish, weighing around 50 pounds and measuring 3 feet. Like other fish, cod have eyes on opposite sides of their heads.

Figure 02: Cod

Cods are carnivores, feeding on smaller fish, crustaceans, and mollusks. They are readily available in most markets. These fish are low in fat and calories. Furthermore, due to their availability, they are comparatively cheaper.

Similarities Between Halibut and Cod

1. Halibut and cod are very popular fish types in the fish industry.
2. Both are found in the coastal water.
3. Both halibut and cod are excellent sources of high-quality protein.
4. They are good sources of vitamin D, vitamin B12, selenium, phosphorus, and potassium.
5. Both can be part of a healthy and balanced diet.

Difference Between Halibut and Cod

Definition

1. Halibut is a large, flat fish with a diamond-shaped body.
2. Cod is a group of fish in the family of Gadidae with an elongated cylindrical shape.

Eye Placement

1. Both of their eyes are located on the same side.
2. Both eyes are on opposite sides of their head, like most other fish.

Color

1. Halibut is dark brown to olive green, and the lower side is white in color.
2. Cod is greenish-brown on the back and sides, fading to a lighter color on the belly.

Dorsal Fin

1. Halibut has a continuous dorsal fin.
2. Cod has two dorsal fins.

Flavor and Texture

1. Halibut has a mild to delicate flavor and a firm to meaty texture.
2. Cod is strong to meaty in flavor and soft to flaky in texture.

Nutrition

1. Halibut is high in protein and omega-3 fatty acids.
2. Cod is low in fat and calories.

Price

1. Halibut is expensive due to scarcity.
2. Cod is cheaper due to wide distribution and availability.

The following table summarizes the summarizes the difference between halibut and cod.

Summary – Halibut vs Cod

Halibut and cod are two nutritious fish types in the fish market. They have unique taste differences as well as different nutritional values. Halibut is more oily and flaky, while cod has a thicker and firmer texture. Halibut mainly comes from the North Pacific Ocean, whereas cod mainly comes from Greenland to Cape Hatteras, North Carolina. This summarizes the difference between Halibut and cod.

FAQ: Halibut and Cod

1. Is halibut expensive?

• Halibut can be relatively expensive due to its high quality and small-boat fisherman sourcing and scarcity. It is a large-sized fish with a high amount of protein and omega-3 fatty acids.

2. Is halibut a nice fish to eat?

• Yes, Halibut ranks among the best fish for people who think they don’t like fish. It tastes slightly sweet and has almost no Umami flavor. It has a mild to delicate flavor and a firm to meaty texture.

3. Where is halibut found?

• Halibut is found in the cold coastal waters of the Northern Hemisphere. It mainly comes from Greenland to Cape Hatteras, North Carolina. Other regions include the Chukchi Sea and from the Gulf of Anadyr, Russia, southward to Hokkaido, Japan.

4. Is cod a healthy fish?

• Cod is one of the healthiest white fish around. Cod is high in protein, low in fat, and a good source of vitamin B12, which is needed for energy and nervous system support. It also reduces anemia and depression.

5. Can I eat cod daily?

• Generally, consuming cod in moderate amounts is safe and generally without adverse effects. Like other fish, these fish also contain mercury. Excessive mercury consumption can be toxic and may cause neurological and behavioral disorders.

Reference:

1. “Halibut.” Encyclopædia Britannica, Encyclopædia Britannica, inc.
2. “What Is COD: Sustainable Fish.” MSC International – English.

Image Courtesy:

1. “Pacific Halibut” By Jlikes2Fish – Own work (Public Domain) via Commons Wikimedia
2. “Atlantic Cod, Atlantischer Kabeljau (Gadus morhua)” By Wilhelm Thomas Fiege – Own work (CC BY-SA 4.0) via Commons Wikimedia

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