Difference Between Halibut and Cod

Fish is among the healthiest not to mention tastiest foods in the world. The vast amount of nutrients including nutrients, proteins, minerals, and vitamins not to mention the high protein and low-fat constituent in fish makes it a staple in any part of the world. However, for people who do not like the taste or smell of fish such as Omega 3 supplements are available. There are many species of fish including halibut and cod. Despite the common generalization of fish, these two are different.

What is Halibut?

Derived from the words holy and flatfish, the halibut is a species of fish that feed and live at the bottom of lakes and seas. They are well known as sport fish and food fish. Halibut is categorized into the Atlantic halibut and pacific halibut, which is the largest flatfish in the world.  They have an off white underbelly and are dark brown on the top side, with small scales that are invisible to the naked eye. This color scheme is ideal for blending the halibut with the ocean floor and the skylight, a phenomenon referred to as countershading.

Halibuts feed on other bottom-dwelling water organisms such as crabs, Pollock, cod, octopus, salmon and sand lance and may move up from the sea bed to feed. The halibut is high in nutrients and low in fat. It contains a variety of vitamins, minerals, and proteins. It has a dense and firm texture and can be boiled, grilled or deep-fried. Due to its low-fat content, smoking a halibut is difficult.

What is Cod?

This is a demersal fish that thrives in the deeper and cooler sea regions. With two anal fins and three rounded dorsal fins, the cod has an upper jaw that extends over the lower jaw. They also have a white line running above the pectoral fin from the gill slit to the tail fin, and a have a sandy brown to greenish back and white bellies. The most common species include the Atlantic and the Pacific cod. It has a flaky, dense and white flesh and is characterized by a mild flavor.

The most common product from cod is cod liver oil which is processed from cod livers. The cod liver oil is a source of Omega 3 fatty acids, Vitamin D, Vitamin E, and Vitamin A. Scrod is prepared from young Atlantic cod and is the most common ingredient in fish and chips in the United Kingdom.  Cod’s liver can also be canned and eaten.

Similarities between Halibut and Cod

• Both are demersal fish
• Both are high in vitamins, minerals, and proteins

Differences between Halibut and Cod

Physical attributes

Halibut has an off white underbelly and is dark brown on the top side, with small scales that are invisible to the naked eye. On the other hand, cod has two anal fins and three rounded dorsal fins, with an upper jaw that extends over the lower jaw. They also have a white line running above the pectoral fin from the gill slit to the tail fin, and a have a sandy brown to greenish back and white bellies.

Species

The halibut is categorized into the Atlantic halibut and pacific halibut. On the contrary, cod is categorized into Atlantic cod and the Pacific cod.

Flavor

Halibut has a strong flavor while cod has a mild flavor.

Texture

Halibut has a dense and firm texture. On the other hand, cod has a flaky and dense texture. 

Availability

While halibut is available as steak, cod is available as fillets.

Halibut vs. Cod: Comparison Table

Summary of Halibut vs. Cod

The halibut has an off white underbelly and is dark brown on the top side, with small scales that are invisible to the naked eye. It has a strong flavor and a dense and firm texture.  On the other hand, cod has a white line running above the pectoral fin from the gill slit to the tail fin, and a have a sandy brown to greenish back and white bellies. They have a mild flavor and a flaky and dense texture. Both are, however, demersal fish, and are high in vitamins, minerals, and proteins.

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