Story: Freshwater fish

Banded kōkopu

Banded kōkopu

Banded kōkopu (Galaxias fasciatus) are found mostly in the small pools within boulder streams that flow through native forests. They are widespread, moving well inland (between 550 and 180 kilometres from the coast). They are very strong climbers and can ascend obstacles such as waterfalls. These three adults are probably around 20 centimetres long. As juveniles, when they are caught as whitebait, banded kōkopu are about a quarter of this length and have a golden tinge.

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NIWA – National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research
Photograph by Stephen Moore

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How to cite this page:

Bob McDowall, 'Freshwater fish - Galaxiids: īnanga and kōkopu', Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/photograph/11113/banded-kokopu (accessed 29 March 2024)

Story by Bob McDowall, published 24 Sep 2007