Murray Cod 12cm

The Murray Cod makes a great pet, just remember what fits in its mouth WILL BE EATEN!!

Murray Cod

The Murray Cod is commonly referred to as ‘THE’ predatory freshwater fish of Australia. Once almost driven to extinction because of their eating quality and excessive sports fishing the Murray Cod is the true definition of a comeback story. They are now being captive bred and are rising in popularity in the Australian aquarium hobby. 

The Murray Cod is definitely not a fish for everyone due to its highly aggressive nature and large size but for those who can properly house this fish, they will really enjoy the mottled leopards like the color the cod has. It has a large stocky body and the leopard patterning will develop further and further as this fish ages. This fish would be a great long-term addition to an aquarium as they have lifespans that exceed 50 years! 

Distinguishing males and females is very difficult. There is no physical difference between Male and Female Murray Cod, the differences with these are internal. Breeding with these fish in the home aquaria has not been recorded before. The captive breeding of Murray Cod takes place in large aquaculture facilities. Murray Cod are very shy as juveniles however as they age, they will become very personable and display themselves. They are best to be kept in an aquarium alone due to their aggression.

Tank water conditions

Murray Cod can survive in a wide range of water conditions, but the best water conditions for them are as follows,
 · Temperature: 8°C - 24°C. 
 · pH: 7.0 - 8.0 
 · General Hardness: 50 - 200ppm. 

Tank Recommendations for your Murray Cod

Adult Murray Cod reach lengths of 1 meter+ and wight around 80 kilos. Because of this large size, they need an aquarium that is at least 3800 liters. 

A sand or gravel substrate with a large piece of driftwood is great for this fish as it looks most natural.
Murray Cod will really prefer dim lighting which best replicates its wild environment.

Suitable Tank Buddies

The Murray Cod is very aggressive and is always recommended to be kept alone. Though they may get along with other large natives like barramundi at a young age, then they grow their aggression and extreme territorial behavior will be a big issue for other tank mates. Just remember they do grow fast for the first few years.

They are not really compatible with other fish as we say, if it fits in its mouth it is 99% likely to be eaten. In a large enough tank species like barramundi may be compatible but even this should have proceeded with utmost caution.

Large Tandanus Catfish, Gudgeons along with Sleepy Cod, Perch and Barra that are all around the same size when adding to the tank.

Feeding your Murray Cod

Murray Cod are carnivorous and will eat a range of different foods including live fish, yabbies and other crustaceans - they are not fussy eaters, as long as it fits in the mouth of the fish it will eat it! 

They readily eat pellets and frozen feeds in the aquarium, you can also offer frozen foods.