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Story: Freshwater fish

Grayling

Grayling

New Zealand’s only extinct freshwater fish is the grayling (Prototroctes oxyrhynchus). This specimen was illustrated from a catch from the Hokitika River in 1889. Its coloration is not known for certain, but the records suggest that it was variable, from this white spotted example through to ‘brightly coloured, almost a warm orange’. Most probably this was at different life stages.

About this item

Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa
Reference: MA_B.038665
Watercolour by F. E. Clarke

Permission of the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa must be obtained before any re-use of this image.

How to cite this page:

Bob McDowall. 'Freshwater fish', Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, updated 1-Mar-09
URL: http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/freshwater-fish/5/4