Giant kokopu  (Galaxias argenteus)

Description

Reminiscent of stars in a night sky, the gold spots patterning the dark-olive body of the giant kokupu inspired an 18th century biologist to give this fish the scientific name Galaxias (2) (3). This distinctive fish is the largest species within the Galaxiidae, a family mostly comprised of small, tubular fish with blunt heads, smooth leathery skin and a single dorsal fin, set well back towards the tail over the anal fin (3). However, the giant kokopu’s large size, stocky build, striking colouration and gaping mouth readily distinguish it from other Galaxids. In remarkable contrast with the vivid colouration and bulky body of the adult kokopu, juveniles are slim and almost transparent (2).

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