Kingdom Animalia Subfamily Galaxiinae Scientific name Neochanna apoda Higher classification Neochanna Order Osmeriformes | Family Galaxiidae Genus Neochanna Phylum Chordata Rank Species | |
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Similar Neochanna, Black mudfish, Canterbury mudfish, Galaxiidae, Galaxias cobitinis | ||
Fishing at blue cypress lake catching big brown mudfish bowfin
The brown mudfish, Neochanna apoda, a galaxiid endemic to New Zealand, is found in wetlands in the southwest of the North Island and the northern half of the west coast of the South Island. It commonly grows to 100-130 mm in length, and it can live to at least 7 years.
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The dorsal and anal fins of the brown mudfish are very long-based, extending close to the caudal fin, nearly joining it.
It inhabits shallow swamp-forest wetlands. If the water dries out over summer, it is able to aestivate in damp areas, such as under logs and in root holes, until the water returns.
In 2014, the New Zealand Department of Conservation classified the brown mudfish as "At Risk: Declining" with qualifier "C(1/1) >100,000 mature individuals, predicted decline 10–70%". Also in 2014 the IUCN rated the brown mudfish as "Endangered".