Common names
Cod, Greenfish, Goodoo, Mary River cod, Murray perch, Ponde, Pondi, Queensland freshwater cod, Codfish
Murray cod
Maccullochella peelii
- Freshwater
- Least concern
Max length70.75 in
Common length23.5 in
Length typeTotal Length
Max weight249 lb 2 oz
Max Depth17 ft
Max age48 years
Water typeFreshwater
Fish info
IUCN Vulnerability status
Short description
Murray cod have a relatively large, elongated and deep body, that is round in cross-section. They have small eyes and a short snout, which has a distinct concave profile and a broad, scooped head with a large mouth lined with pads of very small, needle-like teeth. Their jaws are equal, or the lower jaw protrudes slightly. The spiny dorsal fin of murray cod is moderate to low 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, rounded and are dusky grey or black with distinct white edges. The large, rounded pectoral fins are usually similar in colour to the flanks. The leading white-coloured rays on the pelvic fins split into two trailing white filaments, while the pelvic fins themselves are usually a translucent white or cream, tending toward opacity in large fish. Murray cod possess a cream to olive green colour with dark grey to greenish blotches over the head and body. The ventral surface (belly) is generally white in colour.
Habitat
Murray Cod generally prefer slow flowing, turbid water in streams and rivers, favouring deeper water around boulders, undercut banks, overhanging vegetation and logs.
Distribution
Murray cod were once abundant throughout the Murray-Darling river system, but overfishing and environmental changes have drastically reduced their numbers. The species has been selectively stocked in other river systems in NSW, Victoria and Western Australia, but has generally failed to establish itself in those areas. Small numbers are still present in the Nepean River and Yarra River.
Behaviour
These cod are voracious feeders and predators. Their diet consists of fish, crustaceans, water birds, frogs, turtles and terrestrial animals such as mice and snakes.
Edibility
Murray cod has lustrous, pearly white flesh. Packed full of vitamins and minerals, a low-energy source of protein, the versatile white-fleshed fish is best known for being a good source of omega-3 fatty acids.
Lure suggestion
Anglers troll and cast large lures such as spinnerbaits, diving hard body lures, soft plastics, surface lures and swimbaits. Good baits: bardi grubs (work best), yabbies, cheese and large flies.
Similar species
Other similar species
Similar to the Mary River Cod, Eastern Cod and Trout Cod.