Canterbury Mudfish - Kōwaro

The Canterbury mudfish (kōwaro) is one of New Zealand’s most threatened species, listed as Nationally Critical. Found in waterways across the Canterbury Plains, they thrive in springs, wetlands, and modified habitats like farm ponds. These small fish, growing up to 100 mm, can reproduce in their first year and produce up to 2,000 eggs. However, they are vulnerable to habitat loss and drying out in summer.