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Mary River cod
Maccullochella peelii mariensis

Officers DPI Fisheries

Mary River cod

The Mary River cod is a critically endangered species.

It is also a regulated fish. See Recreational fishing rules in Queensland - Freshwater for the current regulations.

Description

Mary River cod can grow up to 20kg, but are more commonly seen at around 5kg. They are large, elongated fish with large mouths, slightly concave heads and protruding lower jaws. Like the murray cod they are mottled in colour. They range in colour from golden-yellow to green and dark brown with black to dark green spots.

Habitat/distribution

The Mary River cod was once distributed extensively throughout south-east Queensland, but is now found naturally only in parts of the Mary River system. Numbers are known to be very low, and therefore, this species is now totally protected. This species has suffered population declines as a result of habitat losses over most of its range. Mary River cod have been stocked to a small degree in some dams and weirs.

Further information

Department of Primary Industries. (2002). Fish Guide. Saltwater, Freshwater and Noxious Species. The Great Outdoors Publications, Brisbane.

Grant, E.M. (2002). Grant's Guide To Fishes. E.M. Grant Pty Limited, Brisbane.

Hollaway, M. and Hamlyn, A. (2001). Freshwater Fishing in Queensland: a guide to stocked waters. (2nd Editon)  Department of Primary Industries, Brisbane.

Merrick, J.R. and Schmida G.E. (1984). Australian Freshwater Fishes: Biology and Management. Griffin Press Limited, South Australia.

Note: Some information in this publication may change from time to time (especially size and in-possession limits). You should contact your nearest Queensland Boating and Fisheries Patrol or the DPI&F Call Centre (13 25 23) for latest fisheries regulations and information.

This DPI Note is also published on the DPI&F's PrimeNotes CD-ROM.

Information contained in this publication is provided as general advice only. For application to specific circumstances, professional advice should be sought.The Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries Queensland has taken all reasonable steps to ensure the information in this publication is accurate at the time of publication. Readers should ensure that they make appropriate inquiries to determine whether new information is available on the particular subject matter.

File No: f00098
Last updated: 18 December 2003