Wild Alaskan Pacific Cod

If you've shopped for cod, you've probably seen names like Alaskan cod, Pacific cod, true cod, Atlantic cod, and even black cod. Some of these names describe the same fish, while others refer to completely different species.

The wild Alaskan cod we offer at Kwee-Jack Fish Co. is Pacific cod. Pacific cod is a true cod species native to the North Pacific and is different from both Atlantic cod and the fish commonly called black cod.

Here's a simple breakdown of what these different cod names mean and how to tell them apart.

Is Alaskan Cod the Same as Pacific Cod?

When referring to cod caught in Alaska, Alaskan cod generally means Pacific cod. Pacific cod (Gadus macrocephalus) is native to the North Pacific and supports important commercial fisheries in Alaska.

“Alaskan cod” is therefore more of a description of where the fish comes from, while Pacific cod identifies the species.

The wild cod we sell at Kwee-Jack is Pacific cod harvested from Alaska. If you're looking for the fish itself rather than information about the different names, you can shop our Wild Alaskan Pacific Cod Loins here.

What Is True Cod?

The term “true cod” is commonly used for fish belonging to the genus Gadus. Pacific cod belongs to this group, which is why you may sometimes see it called Pacific true cod.

Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua) is another member of the same genus. Although Pacific cod and Atlantic cod are closely related, they are different species found in different parts of the ocean.

This distinction becomes especially useful when comparing true cod with fish that have “cod” in their common name but are not actually members of the true cod genus.

Pacific Cod vs. Atlantic Cod: What's the Difference?

Pacific cod and Atlantic cod are related but distinct species. Pacific cod (Gadus macrocephalus) inhabits the North Pacific, including Alaska's waters, while Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua) is native to the North Atlantic.

Both are mild whitefish with flaky flesh and are used in many of the same types of dishes. They are commonly baked, pan-seared, fried, used for fish and chips, added to soups and chowders, and prepared in many other traditional cod recipes.

For customers buying from Kwee-Jack, the important distinction is simple: the wild Alaskan cod we sell is Pacific cod, not Atlantic cod.

Is Pacific Cod the Same as Black Cod?

No. Pacific cod and black cod are completely different fish.

Black cod is actually sablefish (Anoplopoma fimbria). Despite having “cod” in its common name, sablefish is not a true cod and is not closely related to Pacific cod.

The difference is also noticeable on the plate. Pacific cod is a relatively lean whitefish with a mild flavor and tender, flaky texture. Black cod is naturally much richer and higher in fat, with a soft, buttery texture.

We offer both species. If you're looking for the richer fish commonly called black cod, you can shop our Wild Alaskan Black Cod (Sablefish).

Why Is Black Cod Called Cod If It Isn't Actually Cod?

Common fish names can be confusing because they don't always reflect scientific relationships between species. “Black cod” became a widely used market name for sablefish even though sablefish does not belong to the same family or genus as Pacific and Atlantic cod.

That's why you'll often see both names used together as black cod (sablefish). Using “sablefish” makes it much clearer which species is actually being discussed.

What Kind of Cod Is Caught in Alaska?

Pacific cod is the true cod species commercially harvested in Alaska's waters. It inhabits the North Pacific and is an important part of Alaska's commercial seafood industry.

Alaska is also home to sablefish, which is why shoppers may encounter both Alaskan Pacific cod and Alaskan black cod. Although both can come from Alaska, they should not be confused with one another.

When Kwee-Jack refers to our wild Alaskan cod, we're talking about wild Pacific cod. When we refer to black cod, we're talking about sablefish.

So What Should You Look for When Buying Cod?

If knowing exactly what you're buying matters to you, look beyond the word “cod” and check the actual species and origin.

For the cod we offer at Kwee-Jack:

• Alaskan cod = Pacific cod
• Pacific cod = a true cod species
• Pacific cod is different from Atlantic cod
• Black cod = sablefish, not true cod
• Our Pacific cod is wild caught in Alaska

We believe seafood customers should be able to understand what species they're buying and where it comes from. As commercial fishermen ourselves, that kind of transparency is important to us whether we're selling the Bristol Bay salmon our family catches or seafood we source from other fishermen and seafood partners.

Buy Wild Alaskan Pacific Cod Online

If you're looking for the mild, flaky true cod described in this article, Kwee-Jack offers wild Alaskan Pacific cod loins for frozen home delivery throughout the contiguous United States.

Our premium cod loins are boneless, skinless, individually vacuum packaged, frozen, and generally portioned at approximately 8–12 ounces each.

Shop Wild Alaskan Pacific Cod for Home Delivery →

You can also browse our complete selection of wild-caught seafood available for home delivery.