Camera reveals secrets of the Murray Cod

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Camera reveals secrets of the Murray Cod

30 Oct 2013 - NSW Fisheries

Unique footage of the mighty Murray Cod’s breeding cycle has been captured in the Dumaresq River in northern NSW by a team of NSW and Queensland fisheries researchers.

NSW Department of Primary Industries (NSW DPI), Fisheries NSW Scientific Officer, Dr Gavin Butler, who was part of the interstate team that captured the footage, said a short video has been produced and is now available on the NSW DPI website to give the public a rare insight into Murray Cod behaviour and natural habitat.

“The breeding behaviour of the Murray Cod has only ever been observed in man-made environments,” Dr Butler said.

“We were lucky enough to get great clearwater conditions in the Dumaresq River, near Tenterfield during a research trip that allowed us a rare opportunity to film a Murray Cod’s breeding cycle in the wild for the very first time.

“Murray Cod males are shy but very protective, getting the job of looking after the eggs and larvae for up to 25 days, including chasing away turtles and other fish.

“The rare footage also shows the male Murray Cod fanning the eggs to remove sediment and is a strong reminder of how essential good water quality is in providing high quality breeding habitat for this iconic native fish.

“This vision has allowed us to learn more about the breeding cycle of the great Murray Cod and will help develop strategies to promote further recovery of the species.”

The photography and video has been complied into a short video to provide a unique insight into the life of this magnificent native fish.

“This important project was enabled through funding from the Queensland Murray Darling Committee, fisheries researchers from the NSW DPI and Queensland Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Agriculture, some 80 keen anglers and a dedicated Glenlyon Dam Fish Restocking Group and close friends.”

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