The Murray cod is widely regarded as Australia’s largest native freshwater fish.
Murray cod are large predatory fish from the Murray–Darling river system in southeastern Australia. Their name refers to the Murray River and to their superficial resemblance to marine cod, although they are not true cod. They belong to the family Percichthyidae.
The species has a broad head, a deep body, and mottled green, gray, or cream coloring that helps it blend with river habitats. Historical accounts describe very large individuals, although modern populations are affected by dams, altered river flows, introduced species, habitat loss, and overfishing.
Murray cod are protected and managed under conservation programs in parts of their range. They are culturally and recreationally important, but their slow growth and long lifespan mean that recovery from heavy exploitation can take many years.