Murray Cod
Maccullochella peelii
Murray cod is Australia's largest strictly freshwater predatory fish, endemic to the Murray-Darling Basin. It lives in big rivers, billabongs, and deep snaggy holes, and is a prized angling species that is highly regulated and vulnerable to overfishing.
Identification points
- Large, deep body with a broad, flattened head and very large mouth
- Rounded tail fin and a long, soft-rayed dorsal fin
- Mottled olive, green, and yellow pattern with cream to pale belly
Habitat
Large slow-flowing rivers, deep pools, undercut banks, submerged timber, snags, rock bars, and connected billabongs/floodplain wetlands across the Murray-Darling system.
Bait notes
Large live or dead baits such as freshwater yabbies, gudgeons, carp pieces where legal, or silver perch are used; big soft plastics, paddletails, swimbaits, spinnerbaits, and surface lures also take fish. Match local regulations on bait species and bait size.
Behavior
A nocturnal ambush predator that eats fish, yabbies, frogs, and other large prey. It often holds tight to structure by day and moves shallow or into current breaks to feed at night or in low light.
Caution
Highly regulated in most areas with strict size and bag limits or seasonal closures; many populations are protected or catch-and-release only. Check local rules before fishing or keeping one; big fish can accumulate contaminants in some waters.
Fishing notes
Fish heavy tackle around snags, log jams, and deep edges; cast tight to cover and work lures slowly with pauses. Night fishing, warm-water periods, and low-light windows are often best; use strong leaders because cod hit hard and bury in timber.