Murray cod
PERCH MAN
MURRAY COD
Fingerlings can be shipped in any quantity anywhere in the world, subject to local regulations.
If you are not in Australia you need to be aware that export of Australian native fish is complicated, involving many permits, restrictions and many conditions that may be in place for the receiving country.
Murray cod are also a CITES species which adds another layer of documentation because a special permit is needed for export of Murray cod.
Therefore we cannot sent less than au$3,000.00 of fish, PLUS shipping and associated costs.
To order fingerlings email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Below Murray cod nursery
How big do they get ?
This species can easily reach more than 100 pounds.
That's over 45 kg.
The largest Murray cod recorded, in 1902, weighed about 113.5kg, that's over 250 pounds.
The largest Murray cod recorded, in 1902, weighed about 113.5kg, that's over 250 pounds.
It was 1.8 meters long (Almost 6ft.), and was about 75 to 114 years old.
Australia has a number of freshwater cod species which all look very similar, however the species from the Murray Darling River Basins is the one widely produced in Australian aquaculture.
Below the Murray Darling River Basins are marked in Blue
It is a popular aquaculture species, especially in cooler climates.
Below the Murray River where Murray cod come from.
The other species are too endangered to allow commercial aquaculture.
These other species are mostly produced for conservation purposes.
The licensing of these species is strictly controlled by government.
All Murray cod sold by the commercial hatcheries in Australia will be, Maccullochella peelii.
Murray cod are suitable for grow-out in tanks and raceways.
Murray cod are suitable for grow-out in tanks and raceways.
High density production in open ponds is problematic as the natural territorial behavior is highly aggressive, resulting in physical injury, often cannibalism.
Keeping the fish in high densities in a recirculating aquaculture system, (RAS) has produced the best results.
Stocking densities of about 30-40kg/m3 produce the best results with some highly efficient systems capable of up to 60kg/m3.
Best results should be achieved at temperatures around 25C.
They can tolerate temperatures as low as 5C and up to 30C for brief periods.
They have the ability to continue to grow at much lower temperatures than jade perch.
The supply of fry and fingerlings is very limited.
The supply of fry and fingerlings is very limited.
They are available for only a few weeks from late November through to about February.
This is because this species usually only breeds once each season. Silver perch and jade perch will continue to produce eggs and spawn for several months.
The perch females can spawn several times each season, however Murray cod females usually only spawn once each season.
Want more information about Murray Cod ?
Dr Stuart Rowland was an Adjunct Associate Professor in the Graduate Research College, Southern Cross University, he supervised many PhD students.
He was a member of the National Murray Cod Taskforce, the Clarence River Monitoring Committee, and the NSW Fisheries Scientific Committee.
He is the author of at least 167 scientific and technical papers, and has presented more than 130 official seminars and talks on aquaculture and fish biology through-out Australia and in Asia.
The pictures below are typical of the size produced in Australia for the table. (Right click picture and open in new tap for full size picture.)
Below young adults.
Web links to Australian Government research and recommendations
Murray cod video about Government activities breeding Murray cod. Duration 5 minutes
OTHER SPECIES
Click the picture for video - Low altitude passes over Barcoo River - with surprise ending
