Bloomfield River cod facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Bloomfield River cod |
|
|---|---|
 |
|
| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Synonyms | |
|
Macquaria wujalwujalensis (Pusey & Kennard, 2001) |
The Bloomfield River cod (Guyu wujalwujalensis) is a special type of fish. It is also known as the tropical nightfish. This fish lives only in Australia. It is a unique kind of temperate perch.
This fish is found in only one small area. It lives in an 11-kilometer (about 7-mile) part of the Bloomfield River. This river is in northern Queensland. Two large waterfalls mark the ends of its home. These waterfalls act like natural barriers. They stop other, more aggressive fish from moving into the cod's territory. Scientists believe these waterfalls helped the Bloomfield River cod survive. Other fish might have pushed them out of other areas long ago.
The Bloomfield River cod is a "relict species." This means it is a survivor from ancient times. It is the most northern fish of its kind in Australia. Studying it helps scientists learn about how fish spread across Australia's rivers long ago.
What's in a Name?
The name wujalwujalensis comes from the Wujal Wujal Aboriginal community. This community lives along the Bloomfield River. The fish's genus name, Guyu, is what the Wujal Wujal people call this fish. The Bloomfield River cod is the only species in the Guyu group.
What Does It Look Like?
Even though it's called a "cod," the Bloomfield River cod doesn't look much like the famous Murray cod. Those are the most well-known fish in the Percichthyidae family.
Instead, the Bloomfield River cod looks a lot like a young golden perch. It has a pretty gold or light bronze color. This fish can grow to be about 10.1 centimeters (4 inches) long. This measurement is taken from its snout to the base of its tail.
