Mudfish questions

Q.1

Why are the Canterbury mudfish such special fish

Mudfish have the ability to survive during times when there is no surface water—something most other fish can't do!

During these 'dry' periods, their metabolism slowly drops and they absorb oxygen through their skin. Mudfish can usually only cope with short periods of time without water, but have sometimes been known to survive for several months after surface water dries.

However, surviving during 'dry' periods is very hard on mudfish, and after water returns mudfish are often thin, in poor condition, and can have lower breeding success.

Their ability to survive in these conditions means that mudfish can live in places other fish can't.

Throughout New Zealand, lowland wetlands have been extensively drained and modified. This has greatly reduced suitable mudfish habitat, and made remaining mudfish populations more vulnerable to threats.

Q.2

What are the threats to a Canterbury mudfish.

One of the major threats to mudfish is habitat modification. Wetland drainage, land clearance, Gold Mining and modification of streams and drains decreases available habitat.

Q.3

What type of water do canterbury mudfish live in.

They are found in swampy lowland habitats such as wetlands, pākihi, pools in swamp forests and slow-flowing streams and drains. Although the Chatham Island mudfish are an exception, as they live around the margins of peat lakes.

Q.4 How long can a mudfish stay out of water for

Approximately 10 minutes

Q.5 What food does a Canterbury mudfish like to eat.

They like to eat small fish and some seaweed.