The Murray Cod is probably
the best known freshwater fish in Australia. It is without doubt
the largest freshwater fish in Australia, growing to 1.8m and
113.5kg. They feed on mussels, crustaceans, frogs, turtles, other
fish, small birds and sometimes even small possums and other
small mammals.The Murray Cod tend to live in slow moving waters with fairly turbid water and plenty of snags to provide cover and spawning sites. No migration is associated with spawning, although some individuals travel large distances from time to time for other reasons. Murray Cod begin to spawn at 4 years and can produce 20,000 to 40,000 eggs at one time. These eggs are deposited in shallow areas and hollow logs. After 6-13 days (at 20-25°) the eggs hatch releasing the 6-9mm larvae.
Merrick, J. &
Schmida, G. 1984, Australian Freshwater Fishes, Macquarie
University, North Ryde, NSW.