Eastern Freshwater Cod

Habitat Distribution

• Native to the Clarence River system in north-eastern NSW; historically also present in the Richmond River catchment, though now considered to exist naturally only in the Clarence system.
• Occupies pristine sections of clear, flowing freshwater rocky streams — the Mann and Nymboida Rivers are key tributaries within its range.
• Requires clean water with abundant in-stream cover: large boulders, woody debris, and deep pools are the defining habitat features.
• Found from lower reaches up through higher-altitude tributaries, though not recorded above large natural falls in some headwaters.

Key Locations

• Mann River, northern NSW — a major Clarence tributary and the site of key conservation and tracking research; subject to seasonal fishing closures during spawning.
• Nymboida River, northern NSW — another significant Clarence tributary within the species' historical and current range.
• Clarence River system broadly, north-eastern NSW — the only river system where self-sustaining wild populations are currently known to exist.
• Richmond River catchment, northern NSW — historically part of the range; habitat restoration work is ongoing in this catchment.

Specific Spots

• Deep pools with large boulders or woody debris — radio-tracking studies on the Mann River confirm these are the preferred holding areas, used as both cover and ambush points.
• Undercut banks and snag piles in clear, rocky runs; fish are sedentary during daylight and move most at dusk, dawn, and through the night.
• Stable, undisturbed sections of river away from heavy human activity — this species shows strong home-site fidelity and will return to the same pool repeatedly.