Murray cod

Maccullochella peelii

Maccullochella peelii is a living Australian freshwater predatory fish of the genus Maccullochella from the family of cod perch ( Percichthyidae ). He is one of the largest freshwater fish in Australia. The species has an elongated body and a broad head and was described in 1838 by Thomas Livingstone Mitchell.

The adult animals are carnivorous and feed mainly on other fish. The eggs are laid by the females in spring in sunken, hollow tree trunks or other hard surfaces. The parents operate brood care.

Fossils from layers that are up to 26 million years old, are anatomically identical to extant copies.

Size and weight

The animals in streams reach a size of 60 centimeters and a weight of three to four kilograms. In larger bodies of water they are 90 centimeters to one meter tall and weigh 35 to 45 kilograms. The largest ever officially measured fish was 183 centimeters tall and 113 kilograms, although there are unconfirmed allegations of much larger specimens. Due to the excessive sport fishing, the size of the average fish went back though.

Other features

The fish has a large, elongated and breitrümpfigen body with a round cross section, small eyes and a short indented teeth. The lower jaw is especially in older specimens before easily.

The body of the fish is in the ground color yellowish- green to dark green with a dark green, sometimes brown or black mottling. Depending on the clarity of the water, its color can vary greatly. In addition, the color depends on the body size of the animal. In its large mouth are needle-like teeth. The large, rounded caudal fins are dark gray to black and have white borders. The belly is white or cream.

Distribution and habitat

It is a widespread species in the Murray - Darling Basin, originally in nearly all streams of this system. Maccullochella peelii was a very common species in the past and one of the most common of the larger native fish in Australia.

Maccullochella peelii is a very adaptable Art Their habitat varies widely, from small streams to slow flowing, often muddy rivers. Contrary to popular belief Maccullochella peelii is to be found not only in the deeper, but also in the mountainous regions of the Murray -Darling Basin.

Decline

Today there are only a few prints, wildlife populations have declined in the last 200 years by more than 90 percent. In many smaller rivers where the fish was formerly widespread, it is now considered extinct.

The decline of the species has come into existence by several factors. Contrary to popular belief overfishing has played a massive role. The species was overfished by commercial fishermen in the second half of the nineteenth century. In 1883, more than 147 tons of the animal were brought to market. The actual amount captured was probably twice as high. Even sports fishermen during this period greatly reduced the stocks by excessive fishing. Old photographs show how recreational anglers literally string together dozens of fish.

The only way to ensure the long-term survival of Maccullochella peelii it to settle healthy populations in the wild in healthy rivers with natural runoff is.

Age

The fish is one of the longest-lived freshwater fish of Australia, with longevity for many freshwater fish in Australia is characteristic. The oldest fish was 48 years old, but there was in the past even more copies, which may have become up to 70 years old.