Giant Bully - Tīpokopoko

The giant bully is New Zealand’s largest bully species, growing up to 150 mm, with some reaching over 250 mm! Endemic to New Zealand, they prefer lowland rivers and estuaries near the coast. Identifiable by their dorsal fin spines, they typically have six spines, unlike the common bully's seven. Though their life cycle is not fully understood, they likely have a marine larval phase. Found across NZ, giant bullies are elusive, making their ecological role difficult to study.