Story: Freshwater fish

Giant kōkopu

Giant kōkopu

The giant kōkopu (Galaxias argenteus) is New Zealand’s largest fish in the family Galaxiidae. The largest known specimen was 58 centimetres long and weighed 2.8 kilograms. More commonly adults are around 30–40 centimetres. They occur widely in lowlands, favouring wetlands and weedy or boggy slow-flowing streams. This fish was captured from Horseshoe Lagoon, South Canterbury, in 2004.

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Department of Conservation
Reference: 10056099
Photograph by Sjaan Chateris

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How to cite this page:

Bob McDowall, 'Freshwater fish - More galaxiids', Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/photograph/11115/giant-kokopu (accessed 28 March 2024)

Story by Bob McDowall, published 24 Sep 2007