Cod (in the genus Gadus) can refer to several commonly eaten species of fish. The most common cods are the Atlantic cod and the Pacific cod. These cods have a white flesh and a delicate flavor. Atlantic cod (along with the fish haddock) is a popular fish used in British “fish and chips.” Other uses of cod include processing the liver to make cod liver oil.

According to Chabad, who received their information from the Orthodox Union, cod (specifically referring to pacific cod or atlantic cod) is a kosher fish.

However, there are some fish that are called “cod” that are NOT kosher, as they are not true cods. Specifically, the fish species that are referred to a “freshwater cod” are not kosher. This includes the fish species called burbot, lawyer, or freshwater ling (lota lota).

According to Chabad, who received their information from the Orthodox Union, burbot, lawyer, and freshwater ling (lota lota), which are sometimes referred to as freshwater cod, are NOT kosher fishes.