Freshwater fish

Common bully

Common bully. Photo: Theo Stephens.
Common bully

Even though they are well camouflaged against sand and rocks, common bully are often seen darting in the shallows during the day. The male guards the nest and when the eggs hatch, the larvae go to sea to return to freshwater after a few months. However some populations become landlocked and complete their life cycle without the sea phase.

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Publications

New Zealand's native freshwater fish factsheet (PDF, 195K)
New Zealand large galaxiid recovery plan (PDF, 980K)
New Zealand non-migratory galaxiid fishes recovery plan (PDF, 162K)

Learn more

Find out about the biology of whitebait and whitebait identification

Journey Up the Creek A bilingual website for students follows a trip up the creek to show how fresh water supports life.

Freshwater board and card games

Contacts

DOC HOTline - 24 hour emergency number

Phone 0800 DOC HOTline (0800 362 468) to report:

Sick or injured wildlife
Whale or dolphin strandings

Conservation for prosperity. Tiakina te taiao, kia puawai