Catch of the day – threatened fish species discovered

A new population of black mudfish (Neochanna diversus) has been found in the Te Arai wetlands in Auckland. Prior to this find, only two black mudfish populations were known to exist in the region.

“The find at Te Arai wetlands is a significant win in the preservation of this threatened species,” says, Matthew Bloxham, Senior Regional Advisor for Auckland Council’s Biodiversity team.

“The mudfish population continues to be vulnerable and requires active management. We’re working with the landowner to ensure these wetlands are protected by planting and fencing along its edges, and weed and pest control.”

Earlier this year, six fish enthusiasts from the council, Auckland Zoo and Mahurangi Technical Institute set out in search of the elusive and nationally threatened species, concentrating their efforts on the three Te Arai wetlands. They were rewarded in October when nine mudfish were retrieved in live capture traps from one of the wetlands.

The Te Arai find is significant as it becomes the third mudfish population discovered in Auckland. The other two are in Lake Tomarata and in a Pakiri wetland. Neither is secure from human disturbance. Another population exists in the Kaipara area but fewer than three fish have ever been recorded there.

The black mudfish is a unique member of New Zealand’s native fish fauna. It can survive in wetlands where other fish would perish during the dry summer months, burying itself in the mud. This gives mudfish a competitive advantage over other fish species.

However, unlike fish such as eels, mudfish lack the ability to colonise new habitats as they spend their entire lives in wetlands isolated from streams and the ocean. This makes mudfish vulnerable to human disturbance. Drainage into the wetlands, release of pollutants and introduced pest fish have the potential to harm black mudfish populations.

Work will continue to find other populations in the region. Active management of black mudfish habitats will contribute to securing the future survival of this unique and vulnerable species.

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