Giant kōkopu - our pick for Fish of the Year!

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.

[complimentary_voucher]

Whitebait just tastes like nothing and a live kokopu is so much more awesome than a disappointing, overpriced fritter. Thank you for appreciating them!