My name is Macchullochella peelii peelii, or Murray cod
I am a large elongate, deep bodied groper-like fish with a protruding lower jaw. I am the largest Australian freshwater fish and when fully grown I may be 1.8 m in length and weigh up to 113kg. I have a single dorsal fin with a front spiny portion and a rear soft portion. I occur naturally throughout the Murray- Darling river system. In Victoria I can be found in tributaries that flow into The Murray River. I usually live in sluggish, turbid (cloudy) rivers in deep holes and often among fallen logs. I need water to be about 20 ℃ in Spring or Summer to reproduce. I will spawn in the main river channels when I am about 7 years old and I need a mate. My mate lays her eggs inside hollow objects such as logs. After the eggs hatch the young larvae swim up into the water column to feed on minute zooplankton. As they grow they become territorial, defending their part of the river. As an adult a variety of foods are eaten including yabbies, shrimp, crayfish and other fish. Growth depends on the availability of food and water temperature. We often do not survive if the river is damned as the river flow is altered. Silt also is a problem as it often fills our hollows. I am a carnivore. I have a large mouth I can open very wide and so I can eat larger fish and crayfish. I breed a few weeks later than Trout Cod, which breeds at lower temperatures and lives in fast flowing waters.
Using the above example of the Murray cod. Describe:
1. Habitat
2.Niche
3.Give 2 abiotic and 2 biotic factors that impact on the Murray cod’s survival.
4.Does the Trout Cod compete for niches with the Murray Cod? Explain.
Using the above example of the Murray cod. Describe:
1. Habitat
2.Niche
3.Give 2 abiotic and 2 biotic factors that impact on the Murray cod’s survival.
4.Does the Trout Cod compete for niches with the Murray Cod? Explain.