Kokopu (Māori: kōkopu) is a common name used for three species of fish of the genus Galaxias. They are found in the rivers, lakes and swamps of New Zealand, to which they are endemic. Kokopu are galaxiids and like others members of that family lacks scales and has a thick, leathery skin covered with mucus.

Where do giant Kokopu live?

Giant kokopu are found in a wide range of water types, including estuaries, lagoons, swamps, streams, drains, rivers, ponds and lakes (Appendix 2).

How big do banded Kokopu get?

The banded kokopu is a member of the Galaxiidae or whitebait family. They usually grow to around 200mm long but have been known to reach up to 260mm. Like all galaxiids, the banded kokopu lacks scales and has a thick leathery skin that is covered with mucus.

What do whitebait grow into?

Through spring and summer, the little whitebait grow into adult fish known as inanga. Inanga are slender fish, with a small head and transparent fins. They are a pale creamy colour, mottled or spotted greenish-olive on their back and sides.

Where are whitebait found?

Inanga (Galaxias maculatus)

Inanga are found in a wide variety of habitats, from tiny creeks, to coastal rivers, lowland streams, lakes and wetlands. They are the only migratory galaxiid species where the adults swim in shoals.

Giant Kokopu

Who owns whitebait media?

WhitebaitMedia is a local independent New Zealand production company producing children's programmes. It was founded by Janine Morrell-Gunn in 1998.

Where can I find freshwater crayfish in NZ?

New Zealand has two species of freshwater crayfish, the northern kōura, Paranephrops planifrons, which occurs in the North Island and the West Coast of the South Island, and the southern kōura, P. zealandicus, which occurs in the east and south of the South Island.

Is it legal to sell whitebait?

The guts is that whitebait is excluded from requiring a registered risk management programme certification and can be sold legally without meeting the standard food safety requirements.

What fish is whitebait?

In the United Kingdom today, whitebait principally refers to the fry of Clupeidae fish, young sprats, most commonly herring. They are normally deep-fried, coated in flour or a light batter, and served very hot with sprinkled lemon juice and bread and butter.

Can you eat Kokopu?

The hatchlings are carried downstream where they spend a short period of time in the sea and return to streams after four to five months. Kokopu sprats are keenly sought by fishers as whitebait for consumption as a delicacy and are caught in fine meshed nets.

How do Mudfish survive?

Mudfish have the ability to survive during times when there is no surface water—something most other fish can't do! During these 'dry' periods, their metabolism slowly drops and they absorb oxygen through their skin. ... Their ability to survive in these conditions means that mudfish can live in places other fish can't.

What is whitebait NZ?

It is a general term used in many countries to describe small freshwater fish that are tender and edible. In New Zealand it describes the juvenile forms (around 4–5 centimetres long) of five species of the fish family Galaxiidae. In spring, whitebait make their way upstream from the sea, swimming near the river's edge.

How far do whitebait swim up river?

It was always thought that whitebait only travelled upstream during daylight hours. Whitebait can travel up to 18 km over 36 hours, and their maximum migration speed is about 1.5 km per hour.”

Can you whitebait under a bridge?

You're also not allowed to fish from any bridge or vessel. Fishing is not allowed in whitebait refuges. There are three regions with whitebait refuges: new areas in and near Abel Tasman National Park (PDF, 709K)

Can you freeze whitebait?

Whitebait is also one of the few fish which freezes well, which means Kiwis can enjoy it throughout the year. If you're using frozen whitebait, ensure you allow plenty of time to thaw it slowly in the fridge before you want to cook it.

Where are crayfish found in NZ?

New Zealand rock lobsters (crayfish) are found around the coast of New Zealand and offshore islands. The 2 most popular species are the: Both are regularly fished by commercial, recreational, and customary fishers.

Where are freshwater crayfish found?

They live in fresh water such as streams, lakes and ponds, and even in swamps.

Are crayfish farmed?

Crayfish is a steady aquaculture industry in NSW, however there is much potential for further development. The yabby is the most suitable species for NSW due to its natural occurrence and tolerance to the wide range of conditions and climate.

Where is what now filmed?

What Now is a New Zealand children's television programme that premiered on Saturday 9 May 1981. It is currently filmed before a live audience at a different school in New Zealand, which is selected every week.

What is Australian whitebait?

The Tasmanian whitebait (Lovettia sealli), also known as the Australian whitebait or Derwent whitebait, is a semi-anadromous osmeriform fish of the family Galaxiidae, found only in Tasmania and southern Victoria, Australia.

Do whitebait grow into bigger fish?

Whitebait return

During this migration they are called whitebait. Those that escape the whitebaiters' nets spend the summer in backwaters and slow-flowing sections of rivers and streams, growing into adult fish.

Do mackerel eat whitebait?

The mackerel feed on the whitebait and are predated upon by the larger bass. If you're lucky you might catch mackerel and bass on the feathers. ... The whitebait that were gathered from the shingle were threaded onto driftwood sticks and suspended over the coals.

How much does whitebait cost NZ?

Wholesale prices for West Coast whitebait range between $60 to $70 a kilo but retail prices vary.