Murray cod is commonly regarded as Australia’s largest native freshwater fish. It is a giant predatory fish of the Murray–Darling Basin, where adults can exceed 1 metre in length and weigh many kilograms.
Murray cod prefer deep pools, submerged timber and other structured river habitats. Their name refers to the Murray River system, although they occur across a much wider network of rivers and reservoirs. Despite the word “cod,” they are not closely related to the cod of the North Atlantic.
The species has faced major pressures from overfishing, altered river flows, habitat damage and introduced carp. Fishing regulations, hatchery programs and habitat restoration now support recovery in parts of its range.
Murray cod are often confused with the related trout cod. Trout cod usually have a more streamlined appearance and different markings, while Murray cod often show distinctive greenish or yellowish mottling.