Dispatch Method:

Murray cod are protected in many parts of their range, however in the areas where taking this species is permitted by law, to maximise their eating qualities they should be killed humanely by iki jime, or a firm knock to the head before placing them in an ice slurry after bleeding.

Fish Description:

• Murray Cod are brownish to yellowish-green with a mottled pattern of darker and paler markings above and a pale belly.
  
• This species is the largest freshwater bony fish in Australia.
  
• Murray Cod mature at 4-5 years old at 50-60 cm long, and undertake an upstream spawning migration. Females lay demersal eggs that are guarded by her male partner until they hatch after about 25 days.
  
• Murray cod may live for over 50 years.

Fish Distribution:

• Murray Cod are endemic to the Murray-Darling river system. Once prolific, their populations have been greatly reduced throughout their natural range, mainly due to habitat modifications which have disrupted their breeding cycle.
  
• They are very territorial, and prefer deep holes in rivers and streams with boulders, fallen trees and other woody debris and banks with overhanging vegetation.

Fish Size Common Length:

40-70 cm, maximum size around 180 cm and 113 kg.