Mary River cod

Mary River Cod

The Mary River cod (Maccullochella mariensis) is a freshwater fish species native to the Mary River system in Queensland, Australia. It is a member of the Percichthyidae family and the Maccullochella genus, which also includes the closely related Murray cod and Eastern freshwater cod.

Description

The Mary River cod is a large, slow-growing fish that can reach up to 90 cm in length and weigh up to 16 kg. It has a robust, elongated body with a large mouth and a small eye. The body color varies from olive green to brown, with darker markings on the sides and back.

Habitat and Distribution

The Mary River cod is endemic to the Mary River system, which includes the Mary River itself and its tributaries. It prefers deep, slow-moving waters with plenty of cover, such as submerged logs and overhanging vegetation.

Conservation Status

The Mary River cod is listed as Endangered under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 due to habitat loss, overfishing, and competition with introduced species. Conservation efforts include habitat restoration, captive breeding programs, and fishing regulations.

See Also

• Fish of Australia
• Endangered species in Australia
• Mary River (Queensland)

References

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