Murray cod
📖 Overview
The Murray cod is one of the world's largest freshwater fish . They live in a wide range of habitats, from clear, rocky streams to slow flowing, turbid rivers and billabongs . They are generally found in waters to 5 m deep, in sheltered areas with cover from rocks, timber or overhanging banks. Adult fish are carnivorous, having a diet of invertebrates, fish, amphibians and occasionally reptiles, birds and aquatic mammals . The young feed on zooplankton. Spawning takes place from spring to early summer. Murray cod are territorial, their 'territory' associated with a specific hole, snag (large woody debris) or area of a river or lake . Juveniles may undertake migrations . Threatened due to over harvesting and habitat loss .
🔬 Taxonomy
🐟 Physical Description
Physical description for Murray cod is currently being compiled.
🌀 Behaviour
Behavioural data for Murray cod is currently being reviewed.
🦐 Diet
Diet information for Murray cod is currently being compiled.
🥚 Reproduction
Cod form pairs & only one male spawn with each female . The spawning site can be in water as shallow as 30 cm . The male protect and probably fans the eggs during incubation . Egg masses are laid on the bottom and adhere to the substrate .
🌍 Habitat & Distribution
Freshwater; demersal; potamodromous ; depth range ? - 5 m . Temperate; 21°S - 37°S South Australia, Victoria, New South Wales, and Queensland, except for the upper reaches of the southern tributaries (Ref.
🌿 Ecology
zooplankton
📐 Morphometrics
🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance
🛡️ Conservation Assessment
📊 Population Risk & Fisheries
🍽️ Edibility & Flavour
"Murray cod is an edible species."
- Clear, bright eyes — cloudy eyes indicate age
- Firm flesh that springs back when pressed
- Fresh ocean smell, never strong or ammonia-like
- Bright red or pink gills, not grey or brown
- Shiny, moist skin with scales tightly attached
- Cloudy or sunken eyes
- Strong fishy or ammonia odour
- Soft, mushy flesh that doesn't spring back
- Discoloured or dry flesh
⚡ Nutrition
Detailed nutritional data for Murray cod is currently being compiled from USDA FoodData Central.
🔬 Mercury Safety
Mercury data for Murray cod has not yet been assigned. Please consult FDA/EPA guidance for general seafood safety advice.
🌿 Sustainability
🌐 Names & Taxonomy
| Language | Common Names |
|---|---|
| 🇬🇧English | Murray cod · Murray River Cod |
Scientific Synonyms
| Scientific Name | Author | Year | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Acerina peelii | Mitchell | 1838 | Synonym |
| Maccullochella peelii peelii | - | - | Synonym |
🔍 Similar Species
🗺️ Global Occurrence Map
Occurrence records from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) - 5 records indexed .
👥 Community & Contribute
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