ANIMAL SPECIES:Murray Cod, Maccullochella peelii (Mitchell, 1838)
The Murray Cod is Australia's largest freshwater fish. It is a prized angling species that can grow to a length of 1.8 m and weight of 113.5 kg.
Alternative Names/s
The Murray Cod has also been referred to as Cod, Goodoo, Ponde and Pondi. The last three names are examples of the many Aboriginal names for this species.Identification
The Murray Cod is a moderately elongate, deep-bodied fish. It has a concave snout profile, a large mouth and small eyes.
This species is olive to cream or yellowish with a reticulated pattern of green markings on the back and sides. It is white to cream below. The median fins are dusky with white margins. The pelvic fins are white.
Size range
The species can grow to a length of 1.8 m and weight of 113.5 kg. It is more commonly seen up to 70 cm in length and under 10 kg.Distribution
This fish is endemic to Australia, occurring in freshwaters of the Murray-Darling River drainage in Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria and South Australia. There are also erroneous reports from the Dawson-Fitzroy drainage.
Distribution by collection data
Biomaps map of Murray Cod specimens in the Australian Museum collection.
Conservation Status
Murray Cod populations have declined dramatically since white settlement of Australia. A commercial fishery between the 1880s and 1930s caused an initial decline. More recently, overfishing, river degradation and human modification of the environment have caused major population declines. Murray Cod are now relatively uncommon in most areas.
Classification
- Species:
- peelii
- Genus:
- Maccullochella
- Family:
- Percichthyidae
- Class:
- Actinopterygii
- Subphylum:
- Vertebrata
- Phylum:
- Chordata
- Kingdom:
- Animalia
References
- Allen, G.R. 1989. Freshwater Fishes of Australia. T.F.H. Publications. Pp. 240.
- Allen, G.R., Midgley, S.H. & M. Allen. 2002. Field Guide to the Freshwater Fishes of Australia. Western Australian Museum. Pp. 394.
- Harris, J.H. & S.J. Rowland in McDowall, R.M. 1996. Freshwater Fishes of South-Eastern Australia. Reed Books. Pp. 247.
- Merrick, J.R. & G.E. Schmida. 1984. Australian Freshwater Fishes. Biology & Management. John R. Merrick. Pp. 409.
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Murray Cod, Maccullochella peelii View full size
Mark McGrouther
© Australian Museum
A Murray Cod, Maccullochella peelii at Sydney Aquarium View full size
Mark McGrouther
© Australian Museum
Murray Cod caught near Yarrawonga Weir View full size
John Pogoonoski
© NSW DPI
The head of a Murray Cod View full size
John Pogoonoski
© NSW DPI
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