Trout cod (Maccullochella macquariensis)

Scientific name: Maccullochella macquariensis Cuvier, 1829

The Trout cod (Maccullochella macquariensis) is a freshwater fish of the family Percichthyidae. In the aquarium it needs water at 18–28°C (64–82°F).

Trout cod care at a glance

Temperature: 18–28°C (64–82°F)

Biology

Occur from riffle and boulder areas in relatively small upland streams to larger deeper rivers with sand and clay substrates and submerged timber and snags. Found in still and fast-flowing waters (14?-28?C), usually over bedrock, boulder and gravel bottoms of streams. Large fish confined to deep holes between falls and rapids, while small ones are found among boulders. Feed on insects, crayfish, shrimp, and small fishes; cannibalism occurs. Spawn in spring and early summer. The large, adhesive eggs are laid on hard surfaces. Hatching occurs in 5-10 days at 20?C. Sexual maturity is attained at 3-5 years of age. Territorial juveniles. Infected by parasitic protozoan Chilodonella cyprini; susceptible to `ich' & Saprolegnia infections. Protected by law and its capture is strictly prohibited. Known to hybridize with closely related Murray.

Source: FishBase, licensed CC BY-NC 4.0.

Species facts

Scientific name: Maccullochella macquariensis
Family: Percichthyidae (Temperate perches)
Order: Perciformes (Perch-like fish)
Class: Actinopterygii (Ray-finned fishes)
Maximum length: 85.0
Common length: 50.0
Environment: Freshwater; demersal; non-migratory
Climate: Temperate
Distribution: Oceania: Murray-Darling basin, New South Wales, Australia - Mitta Mitta River, upper Murray River (Tintaldra, Mulwala area-), MurrumbidgeeRiver, Cataract Dam (NepeanRiver), also in the Macquarie River. Stocked population in Seven Creeks River and Glenbawm Dam (HunterRiver); also in Lake Sambell.
Conservation status (IUCN): Endangered (EN) (C2a)
Threat to humans: Harmless
Uses: Fisheries: of potential interest; aquaculture: experimental; gamefish: yes; aquarium: commercial
Resilience: Very Low, minimum population doubling time more than 14 years (Preliminary K or Fecundity.)