Canterbury Mudfish
Neochanna burrowsius
Photo: Wikimedia Commons (CC) via https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Canterbury_mudfish
Overview
The Canterbury mudfish, also known as the kowaro, is found only on the Canterbury Plains in New Zealand. Like other Neochanna species, it is a small, tubular and flexible fish which lacks scales. They are able to survive out of water in damp refuges if its wetland habitat dries out periodically over summer.
The Canterbury mudfish faces severe threats from habitat destruction due to agricultural intensification and urban development across the Canterbury Plains. Introduced species, particularly mosquitofish and brown trout, compete for resources and prey on juveniles. Water abstraction for irrigation has dramatically reduced water levels in ephemeral wetlands, while agricultural runoff degrades remaining habitat through sedimentation and nutrient pollution.
Habitat
Canterbury mudfish inhabit shallow, ephemeral wetlands, swamps, and slow-flowing streams across the Canterbury Plains of New Zealand's South Island. They are uniquely adapted to survive in temporary water bodies that dry seasonally, burrowing into mud during drought periods.
Conservation measures underway
Other threatened species in GALAXIIDAE
Threatened in New Zealand
Frequently asked questions
Why is Canterbury Mudfish classified as Critically Endangered?
Where does Canterbury Mudfish live?
What are the main threats to Canterbury Mudfish?
Get weekly conservation intelligence
One short digest a week of the most striking species and country data we ship, plus breaking conservation news paired with our database where it matters.
Free, no spam. One-click unsubscribe in every email.