Chatham mudfish

Chatham Mudfish imported from iNaturalist photo 268924316 on 14 February 2024

Chatham Mudfish (Neochanna rekohua) is a species of fish endemic to the Chatham Islands, an archipelago located east of New Zealand. This species belongs to the family Galaxiidae, which includes several other mudfish species found in New Zealand. The Chatham Mudfish is notable for its ability to survive in both aquatic and terrestrial environments, a trait it shares with its mainland relatives. This adaptability is largely due to its ability to aestivate in mud during periods of drought, a survival strategy that is remarkable among fish species.

Description

The Chatham Mudfish typically reaches a length of up to 12 cm. It has a slender body, with a dark, mottled appearance that helps it blend into the muddy environments it inhabits. Its fins are small, with the dorsal and anal fins set far back on the body, near the tail. This positioning is thought to aid in maneuvering through the dense, muddy substrates of its habitat.

Habitat and Distribution

Neochanna rekohua is found exclusively in the Chatham Islands. Its habitat is characterized by peatlands, swamps, and slow-moving streams. The mudfish's ability to survive out of water for extended periods allows it to inhabit areas that dry up seasonally. During these times, it burrows into the mud, where it can remain dormant until conditions improve.

Conservation Status

The Chatham Mudfish is considered to be at risk due to its limited range and the degradation of its habitat. Threats include drainage of wetlands for agriculture, introduction of predatory species, and changes in water quality. Conservation efforts are focused on habitat protection and restoration, as well as research to better understand the species' biology and ecology.

Behavior and Ecology

This species exhibits fascinating behaviors related to its survival in variable environments. During wet periods, it is an aquatic predator, feeding on small invertebrates. As water levels drop, it burrows into the mud and enters a state of aestivation, slowing its metabolism to survive for months without food or water. This ability is critical for enduring the dry conditions that characterize its habitat.

Reproduction

Little is known about the reproduction of the Chatham Mudfish. Like other mudfish species, it is believed to lay eggs in aquatic vegetation. The survival of eggs and young fish is highly dependent on the presence of water, making them vulnerable to the drying of their habitats.

See Also

• Galaxiidae
• Fish of New Zealand
• Endemic fauna of New Zealand
• Conservation in New Zealand

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