This endemic species takes its scientific name from the stars! Do you know why?
Ectotherm keeper Seth takes us into Te Pō / The Night habitat as he feeds the Zoo’s giant kōkopu and tells us more about this species – which, like most of our freshwater fish, is only found in Aotearoa!
Unfortunately, giant kōkopu are declining in the wild due to habitat loss and degradation, and competition with introduced trout. They’re also one of six species harvested as ‘whitebait’ – where fish are harvested as fry each spring - a practice which may also impact on populations locally. This is why we support the urgent restoration of New Zealand’s wetlands and advocate for well-managed sustainable fisheries for whitebait.
Auckland Zoo is backing the giant kōkopu for Fish of the Year | Te Ika o Te Tau to spread awareness for these beautiful ika! Lend your support by voting here. Voting closes 31 March.