Giant kokopu (Galaxias argenteus)

As its name implies, the giant kokopu is the largest member of the Galaxiidae family. Specimens of over 450 mm in length have been reported, although fish in the 200–300 mm range are far more common. The profusion of golden lines, spots, crescents, and rings on the bodies of larger fish are very distinctive, although small specimens may be difficult to distinguish from banded kokopu,. The giant kokopu was the first Galaxiidae to be discovered, and it was its colour pattern that led to the generic name Galaxias, referring to the profusion of stars in the galaxy.

Many people are surprised to learn that giant kokopu are one of the whitebait species. However, giant kokopu are uncommon in the whitebait catch and usually run late in the season. Little is known of their spawning habits. It is thought that the adults migrate to a common spawning site, but spawning has never been observed or any eggs discovered.

Giant kokopu are primarily a coastal species and do not usually penetrate inland very far. They are unique to New Zealand and are found on the major offshore islands. Like banded kokopu and koaro, they can establish land-locked populations as in Lake Brunner near Greymouth. They prefer slow flowing or still waters such as lakes and swamps, and are usually associated with some form of instream cover like overhanging vegetation, logs, or debris clusters. It is thought they lurk quietly in this cover awaiting their prey, which ranges from koura to terrestrial insects such as spiders and cicadas.