Bloomfield River Cod

Maccullochella blochii
Bloomfield River Cod - Marinewise © 2024 MarineWise

Quick Facts

Scientific name Maccullochella blochii
Other names Tropical Nightfish, Jungle Perch
Size Up to 10 cm (4 in)
Weight Under 20 grams

Distribution

Habitat & AU Distribution The banks of freshwater streams & creeks over rocky bottoms rich with vegetation
Depth Range 0 - 5 m (16 ft)
Bloomfield River Cod Distribution

Interesting Info

  • The Bloomfield River Cod is a freshwater fish species found only in the Bloomfield River catchment area in Queensland, Australia.
  • This fish species is also known as the “jungle perch” or “Bloomfield jungle perch”.
  • The fish has a distinctive appearance, with a brown or olive-green body and a large, flattened head.
  • Bloomfield River Cod primarily feed on small fish, crustaceans, and insects.
  • Its habitat consists of freshwater rivers, streams, and pools with clear, flowing water and rocky substrates. The species prefers areas with overhanging vegetation and submerged logs and branches, where it can hide from predators and ambush prey.
  • The fish has a complex reproductive cycle that involves migrations upstream to spawn in the upper reaches of rivers and streams during the wet season.
    Bloomfield River Cod can lay thousands of eggs, which are fertilized externally by males. The eggs are adhesive and stick to surfaces such as rocks or vegetation.
  • The species is considered threatened, with populations declining due to habitat loss and overfishing.
  • The species is known for its slow growth and late maturity, with some individuals taking up to 10 years to reach sexual maturity.
  • In captivity, Bloomfield River Cod have been known to live for up to 20 years or more.
Species Interaction

Recreational Fishing

Recreational fishing for the Bloomfield River Cod is a popular activity, with many anglers drawn to the challenge of catching this elusive and powerful sportfish. The species’ large size, strong fighting ability, and unique appearance make it a highly valued catch, but also put it at risk of overfishing and other impacts. Catch-and-release practices are encouraged to minimise the impact of fishing on the population.

Scientific Classification

Kingdom: Animalia

Phylum: Chordata

Class: Actinopterygii

Order: Perciformes

Family: Percichthyidae

Genus: Maccullochella

Species: Maccullochella blochii

Conservation Status

The Bloomfield River Cod is classified as a threatened species under the Australian Government’s Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act) and is also listed as endangered on the IUCN Red List.

Fish Taste Quality

Bloomfield River cod is eatable, however is now listed as a threatened species and should not be consumed.

Taste Rating: no rating

How to catch
Bloomfield River Cod

Catch Difficulty: Difficult

Tackle: Running Sinker Rig, Artificial Rig

Bait: Lures, Worms, Yabbies, Soft plastics, Live minnow, Insects, Flies

Technique: Keep bait close to structure, Cast lures with a slow retrieve, Cast lures close to structure

Popularity: Highly Targeted