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Trout Cod

Trout Cod

Maccullochella macquariensis

Quick Facts

Scientific name Maccullochella macquariensis

Other names Blue Cod, Blue Nose, Blue Nosed Cod, Murray Trout, Rock Cod

Size Up to 85 cm (33.4 in)

Weight Up to 16 kg (35 lb)

Distribution

Habitat & AU Distribution Freshwater rivers & streams over rocky or gravel areas often near wooden debris in deep pools

Depth Range 1 - 10 m (32 ft)

Interesting Info

Trout cod is a critically endangered freshwater fish species native to the Murray-Darling Basin in southeastern Australia.
The trout cod was declared extinct in the 1990s, but a small number of individuals were discovered in the Ovens River system in Victoria in 2008.
The recovery of the trout cod is a collaborative effort between government agencies, scientific organisations, and community groups.
Trout cod are typically found in deep, slow-moving rivers and still waters with rocky or gravelly substrates.
The diet of the trout cod includes other fish, crustaceans, and insects.
Trout cod have a distinctive appearance, with a mottled green-grey back and silver-white belly, and a prominent, upward-facing mouth.
They have a lifespan of up to 20 years.

Species Interaction

Recreational Fishing

Recreational fishing for trout cod is a popular activity for many anglers in southeastern Australia. However, due to the critically endangered status of the species, strict regulations are in place to protect the remaining populations. In many areas, catch-and-release fishing is the only permitted method.

Scientific Classification

Kingdom: Animalia

Phylum: Chordata

Class: Actinopterygii

Order: Perciformes

Family: Percichthyidae

Genus: Maccullochella

Species: Maccullochella macquariensis

Conservation Status

The trout cod is listed as a critically endangered species by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and is also protected under the Australian Government’s Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999.

Fish Taste Quality

Trout cod are an endangered species and illegal to eat. In addition, it is not recommended due to the potential accumulation of contaminants in their flesh.

Taste Rating: no rating