Haddock vs. Pickerel — What's the Difference?
By Urooj Arif & Maham Liaqat — Updated on May 6, 2024
Haddock is a saltwater fish primarily found in the North Atlantic, known for its mild flavor and commonly used in fish and chips. While pickerel is a freshwater fish native to North America, recognized for its smaller size compared to other species.
Difference Between Haddock and Pickerel
Table of Contents
ADVERTISEMENT
Key Differences
Haddock is a saltwater fish that inhabits the North Atlantic, particularly near Iceland and Norway, while pickerel is a freshwater species, prevalent in lakes and rivers across North America.
Haddock is prized in commercial fishing for its firm white flesh and mild flavor, making it popular for smoked dishes and fish and chips. In contrast, pickerel has a more delicate flavor and is often pan-fried or used in stews.
Haddock can grow up to 3.6 feet and is usually larger than pickerel, which typically reaches 2 feet or less in length.
Haddock features a distinctive black lateral line and a dark blotch above the pectoral fin, whereas pickerel has a slender, elongated body with distinct markings like chain patterns or vertical bars, depending on the species.
Haddock has a flaky texture that holds well when cooked, whereas pickerel's flesh is softer, requiring more careful handling to avoid breaking apart.
ADVERTISEMENT
Comparison Chart
Habitat
Saltwater, North Atlantic
Freshwater, North American lakes/rivers
Size
Up to 3.6 feet
Up to 2 feet
Flavor
Mild, firm white flesh
Delicate flavor, softer texture
Markings
Black lateral line, dark shoulder spot
Chain patterns (chain pickerel), vertical bars
Common Preparation
Smoked, fried in fish and chips
Pan-fried, stews
Compare with Definitions
Haddock
Saltwater fish found in the North Atlantic.
The haddock was caught off the coast of Iceland.
Pickerel
Freshwater fish of the pike family.
He caught a pickerel in the nearby lake.
Haddock
Mild-flavored fish often smoked or fried.
He ordered haddock fish and chips at the restaurant.
Pickerel
Smaller pike species, common in North America.
The pickerel are much smaller than northern pike.
Haddock
Distinctive fish with a black lateral line and blotch.
The haddock is easily recognized by its black spot above the fin.
Pickerel
Elongated fish with distinctive markings.
The chain pickerel has a chain-like pattern on its body.
Haddock
Important in the fishing industry for its firm flesh.
Haddock is popular in European seafood markets.
Pickerel
Popular in recreational fishing for its fighting spirit.
Many anglers enjoy the challenge of catching pickerel.
Haddock
Member of the cod family, similar in appearance.
Haddock is often confused with cod because of their similarities.
Pickerel
Prized for its delicate, flavorful flesh.
Pan-fried pickerel is a local delicacy.
Haddock
The haddock (Melanogrammus aeglefinus) is a saltwater ray-finned fish from the family Gadidae, the true cods. It is the only species in the monotypic genus Melanogrammus.
Pickerel
Any of several North American freshwater game fishes of the genus Esox, especially the chain pickerel.
Haddock
A silvery-grey bottom-dwelling fish of North Atlantic coastal waters, related to the cod. It is popular as a food fish and is of great commercial value.
Pickerel
The walleye.
Haddock
A food fish (Melanogrammus aeglefinus) of northern Atlantic waters, closely related to and resembling the cod, but having a dark spot above each pectoral fin.
Pickerel
Chiefly British A young pike.
Haddock
A marine fish, Melanogrammus aeglefinus, of the North Atlantic, important as a food fish.
Pickerel
A freshwater fish of the genus Esox.
Haddock
A marine food fish (Melanogrammus æglefinus), allied to the cod, inhabiting the northern coasts of Europe and America. It has a dark lateral line and a black spot on each side of the body, just back of the gills. Galled also haddie, and dickie.
Pickerel
(Canada) Walleye, A species of gamefish, Sander vitreus, native to the Northern U.S. and Canada with pale, reflective eyes.
Haddock
Lean white flesh of fish similar to but smaller than cod; usually baked or poached or as fillets sauteed or fried
Pickerel
A wading bird, the dunlin.
Haddock
Important food fish on both sides of the Atlantic; related to cod but usually smaller
Pickerel
A young or small pike.
Bet [better] is, quoth he, a pike than a pickerel.
Pickerel
Any one of several species of freshwater fishes of the genus Esox, esp. the smaller species.
Pickerel
Flesh of young or small pike
Pickerel
Any of several North American species of small pike
Common Curiosities
Do haddock and pickerel taste similar?
They have different textures and flavors; haddock is firmer, while pickerel is softer and delicate.
What dishes are best for haddock?
Smoked haddock, fish and chips, and baked haddock are popular.
Are pickerel and pike the same fish?
Pickerel is a smaller relative within the pike family.
Is haddock a type of cod?
No, but haddock is a close relative of cod in the same family.
Are haddock and pickerel the same type of fish?
No, haddock is a saltwater species, whereas pickerel is freshwater.
Do haddock and pickerel have any specific fishing regulations?
Both have region-specific size and bag limits to protect their populations.
Can haddock be eaten raw?
It's not typical due to the texture, but it can be used in some raw preparations.
How are pickerel usually prepared?
Pickerel is often pan-fried or used in stews.
Which is more sustainable to fish, haddock or pickerel?
This depends on the fishing practices and region. Haddock populations have recovered after regulation, and pickerel are locally abundant.
Are haddock and pickerel suitable for grilling?
Haddock grills well due to its firm flesh, while pickerel is more delicate and requires gentle handling.
Are pickerel common in fishing tournaments?
Not as much as larger species, but they are enjoyed for their spirited fight.
What are some alternatives to haddock and pickerel?
Cod and pollock can replace haddock, while pike and walleye are alternatives to pickerel.
Do pickerel and haddock have many bones?
Pickerel can be bony, while haddock fillets are generally less so.
Is haddock more available than pickerel?
Haddock is more widely available due to large commercial fishing operations.
Do pickerel and haddock differ significantly in their nutrition?
Both are lean protein sources, but nutritional content varies with preparation methods.
Share Your Discovery
Previous Comparison
Invocate vs. Invoke
Next Comparison
Lobbying vs. BriberyAuthor Spotlight
Written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
Co-written by
Maham Liaqat
