Banded Kōkopu

The banded kōkopu is one of five "whitebait" species, but don't let the name fool you - these adults grow over 200 mm long! You can spot them by the thin, vertical bands decorating their sides. These clever fish have large fins designed for climbing, though they prefer staying relatively close to the coast. You’ll find them across most of New Zealand, provided there’s plenty of shade, overhanging banks, or large rocks to hide under. They aren't picky eaters, mostly snacking on unlucky insects like moths and flies that fall into their forest pools. While they’re relatively common, these fish are at risk from water pollution and ‘heat stress’ from a warming climate.