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Eastern freshwater cod (Maccullochella ikei) — Percichthyidae

Eastern freshwater cod

Maccullochella ikei
CR · Critically Endangered

The Eastern freshwater cod (Maccullochella ikei) is a freshwater fish of the family Percichthyidae that grows up to 66 cm.

Length
66 cm
Water
Freshwater
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped
Substrate
Mixed bottom
Danger
Harmless

Description

The eastern freshwater cod is a large freshwater cod (Percichthyidae) endemic to the Clarence drainage in eastern Australia. The species grows to about 66 cm and has a sturdy, green-grey mottled body with a large mouth. As the top predator of its river it shelters among roots, holes and fallen trees and hunts fish, crustaceans and even small vertebrates. Through overfishing and habitat loss the species is critically endangered and protected. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Eastern freshwater cod?

The Eastern freshwater cod has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly green and shows a marbled pattern.

Where does the Eastern freshwater cod live?

The Eastern freshwater cod lives in fresh water and is mostly found around mixed bottom.

How big does the Eastern freshwater cod get?

The Eastern freshwater cod grows to a maximum of about 66 cm.

Is the Eastern freshwater cod dangerous to humans?

No, the Eastern freshwater cod is harmless to humans.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Clarence-baars sourced
English name
Eastern freshwater cod sourced
Scientific name
Maccullochella ikei
Family
Percichthyidae
Other names
Clarence River Cod; East coast cod; Eastern cod; Eastern freshwater cod; Eastern Freshwater Cod verified

Appearance

Size class
Large verified
Max length (cm)
66.0 verified
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Green sourced
Pattern
Marbled sourced
Tail shape
Rounded inferred

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Freshwater sourced
Substrate
Mixed bottom sourced
Origin
Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

Territorial
No inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes inferred
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred

For anglers

Fishing method
Bodemvissen met natuurlijk aas (worm, garnaal of vis) op of vlak boven de bodem. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless verified

Status & sources

Sources
FishBase via GBIF (DwC-A), CC-BY-NC 4.0

Same genus Maccullochella

More from the family Percichthyidae

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