Clarence River Cod, Maccullochella ikei Rowland, 1986
Cod, East Coast Cod, Eastern Cod
Click to enlarge image
© Doug Hazel
Fast Facts
-
Classification
- Genus
- Maccullochella
- Species
- ikei
- Family
- Parcichthyidae
- Order
- Perciformes
- Class
- Actinopterygii
- Subphylum
- Vertebrata
- Phylum
- Chordata
- Kingdom
- Animalia
-
- Size Range
- It grows to at least 66 cm in length and 41 kg in weight.
Introduction
The Clarence River Cod is a large freshwater species that was described in 1986. It is an endangered species that occurs in river systems of northern New South Wales.
Identification
The species is olive to yellowish above and pale below. It is patterned on the head, back and sides with darker mottling. The margins of the median fins are white.
It looks similar to the Mary River Cod, M. peelii mariensis. The Clarence River Cod however has elongated pelvic fin filaments, a concave head profile and a protruding lower jaw.
Distribution
The species occurs in the upper Clarence River system and has been reintroduced into the Richmond River. Its was formerly abundant in the Brisbane, Clarence and Richmond River systems.
The map below shows the Australian distribution of the species based on public sightings and specimens in Australian Museums. Click on the map for detailed information. Source: Atlas of Living Australia.
Conservation status
It is an IUCN endangered species.
References
- Allen, G.R., Midgley, S.H. & M. Allen. 2002. Field Guide to the Freshwater Fishes of Australia. Western Australian Museum. Pp. 394.
- Hoese, D.F., Bray, D.J., Paxton, J.R. & G.R. Allen. 2006. Fishes. In Beesley, P.L. & A. Wells. (eds) Zoological Catalogue of Australia. Volume 35. ABRS & CSIRO Publishing: Australia. parts 1-3, pages 1-2178.
