MURRAY COD
Sci: Maccullochella peeli

Common Names: This famous Australian freshwater fish is nearly always known as Murray cod, or simply as "cod" or "Murray". However, it is unrelated to the true cod family of the Northern Hemisphere, and is actually a more distant member of the perch group, which also contains the golden perch and Australian bass. In modern times, the use of the Aboriginal word "goodoo" has become popular in some circles when referring to Murray cod.

Description: Australia's largest freshwater fish, the Murray cod is big, robust and barrel-shaped, with a cavernous mouth and small eyes set well forward on the head. Colouration varies considerably, depending on the environment and, particularly, on water clarity. However, most Murray cod are olive-green to yellow-green on the back, becoming yellowish on the flanks and creamy-yellow or white on the belly. The back is overlaid with darker green or brownish-green mottling and reticulations, which often extend well down the flanks. The eyes are usually brown. The second dorsal and tail or caudal fins typically have white margins, and sometimes such a margin is also found on the ventral fins. These white margins are particularly distinct and striking on fish from clear, fast-flowing streams.

Size: The giant of our outback rivers, and among the three or four largest freshwater species in the world, the Murray cod has the potential to reach more than 100 kg. In fact, early records tell of Murray cod weighing as much as 112 kg. Today, a 40 kg fish is very large indeed, and most of those seen by anglers weigh from 0.6 to 10 kg, with a few 10 to 45 kg specimens still taken each year.

Distribution: Native to the Australian outback, Murray cod were once found throughout almost the entire Murray/Darling system, with the exception of its cold alpine and sub-alpine headwaters. The smaller trout cod - now on the endangered list in most areas - tended to take over from the Murray cod in these cooler headwaters. The cod's range has been reduced by dam and weir construction, de-snagging, pollution and over-fishing, but fortunately cod are still present in reduced numbers through most of their traditional range. They have also been introduced into many dams and some eastern flowing or coastal drainage systems. A group of sub-species - the endangered east coast cod - exists, or once existed, in the Clarence, Richmond, Brisbane and Mary Rivers of northern New South Wales and southern Queensland, although only remnants of the Mary and Clarence populations survive today.

Fishing Techniques: Traditionally, Murray cod were taken on heavy set-lines baited with yabbies, whole fish, rabbit pieces or even galah (parrot) breasts or pieces of rabbit and kangaroo meat. Today, anglers have come to appreciate the sporting qualities of these fine fish and they are more often sought on medium or even lightweight tackle baited with live yabbies, bardi grubs, shrimp or small, live fish. Murray cod respond actively to lures, especially if visibility through the water exceeds 30 centimetres or so. Deep-diving plugs, metal spoons, spinnerbaits and bladed spinners all work well. A slow, steady retrieve or walking-pace troll is best.

Eating Qualities: Murray cod are regarded as one of our best outback table fish. The flavour of smaller fish is excellent, especially those taken from clearer streams. However, they tend to be rather oily or fatty at weights over about 15 or 20 kg, and fish from very dirty water may have a muddy taint to their flesh. In deference to their increasing scarcity, many sport fishermen release most of their catch, keeping only the occasional fish for the table. In many areas there is a closed season to protect spawning cod; usually from September until the end of November.

By Steve Starling