Giant Kokopu (Galaxias argentus)

We FISHWORLDs - Giant Kokopu (Galaxias argentus) is the biggest fish of 34 species in the family Galixias Galaxidae in the wild, which is an endemic freshwater fish from the archipelago New zealand. Some sources say that fish habitat is in the rivers and coastal waters close to the water depth> 0.75 m.

In addition, these fish also like the environment, especially the fast-slow approach the sea. Nukumea river in north Orewa believed to be the best habitat for the Giant Kokopu. Although freshwater fish, it was reported that the baby fish will go to the ocean to feed and grow, and will return to the river after a few months. Breeding process itself occurs in fresh water but the child is directly going towards the sea, known as the "Whitebait". Event that causes fish populations continue to decline. Original habitat, these fish populations is threatened and in the category "Vulnerable" in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species and continue to experience a "gradual decline" in the 2005 New Zealand Threat Classification System. Because of the endangered status, it is prohibited to fish kept in the aquarium as ornamental fish. According to scientists, the adult fish will produce chemical compounds "Pheromone" Whitebait river to tell which one will they go when it returns. In contrast to other types of Galaxias, Giant Kokopu not surface fish or fish that like to enter or seep into the ground, these fish prefer to swim, especially in fast-flowing waters calm. Banyakpun waters with vegetation such as swamps or lakes are also preferred by these fish. Giant Kokopu estimated mecapai adulthood after the age of three years and can live for several years (other sources mention the age of the fish life is around 10 years old). However, after over three years, the growth of the fish will slow the growth rate from 1.9 to 13.3 mm annually.

 Taxonomy

Kingdom   : Animalia
phylum      : chordates
Class        : Actinopterygii
order        : Osmeriformes Actinopterygii Chordata
Family      : Galaxiidae
genus        : Galaxias
species     : Galaxias argentus

 
The size of this fish is ever reported body length of about 58 cm with a weight of 2.8 kg. But the general adult fish body length is 30-40 cm. Physically, this very beautiful fish with elongated body shape silindiris. Pattern on its body has a golden color with a pattern such as a ring shape, a crescent moon and spots are very compatible with the greenish color of the body. Stretcher patterns exist in the whole body began to head to the base of the fish tail. However, Giant puppies Kokopu not have these patterns, it is this which causes difficulty distinguishing Giant puppies Kokopu with other species such as the Banded Kokopu. Giant Kokopu have a dorsal fin and anal fins of the same size of the body that are not covered with scales. The fish's body is covered thick and tough skin that comes with mucus.

TGiant Kokopu predators with its main food is insects, but some argue that these fish also prey on aquatic animals including anakannya laiinnya even himself. Body shape and position of the fins has made this fish as predators and catch prey like sneaking immediately. Fish breeding process is still a mysterious thing, nesting or eggs have been found to date. Puppies Giant Kokopu usually measuring about 45-55 mm with transparent colors tend to brown. Nesting season is believed to occur between June and August. A female who has a body length of 336 mm is known to dispense 25000 eggs with egg diameter sizes ranging from 2 mm. These puppies are believed to be directly towards the sea and returning from sea with a greenish brown body color. Giant young Kokopu have six to eight pale vertical stripes before developing into beautiful patterns of gold.