Common names
Eastern cod, Eastern freshwater cod
Clarence river cod
Maccullochella ikei
- Freshwater
- Endangered
Max length26 in
Length typeTotal Length
Water typeFreshwater
Fish info
IUCN Vulnerability status
Short description
Clarence river cod are small to medium-sized grouper-like fish with a deep, elongated body that is round in cross-section and a broad, scooped head, and a large mouth lined with pads of very small needle-like teeth. The jaws are equal, or the lower jaw may protrude slightly. A large olive to yellowish-green or golden cod, with a concave forehead profile, pelvic-fin rays with elongate filaments, and distinct reticulated mottling on the head and body, their belly is whitish. The eyes are slightly larger and more prominent than in Murray cod. The spiny dorsal fin is moderate in height and is partially separated by a notch from the high, rounded soft dorsal fin. Soft dorsal, anal, and caudal (tail) fins are all large and rounded and are dusky grey or black with distinct white edges.
Habitat
Found in clear-flowing rivers and streams with rocky beds and deep holes within the Clarence River system, to significant altitudes. They inhabit all sizes of rivers and streams.
Distribution
Occur in the coastal Clarence River system of north-eastern New South Wales.
Behaviour
Eastern freshwater cod are territorial and aggressive. The bulk of their diet is based on crustaceans (the large, clawed macrobrachium shrimp and the small, flawless paratya shrimp) and other fish, but they are powerful opportunistic predators and are also known to take insects (e.g. cicadas), frogs, snakes, lizards, birds, and small mammals.
Lure suggestion
They can be caught on bait but targeting them on lures is far more exciting and enables you to cover more ground in your pursuit. The best lure options are spinnerbaits, diving hard body lures, soft plastics, surface lures, swimbaits. Good bait: fresh bardi grub (works best), freshwater yabby, and cheese.
Similar species
Other similar species
Mary River cod