Banded Kokupu – this native kokupu (Galaxias fasciatus) was spotted by Jo and Tommy Herbert swimming in the stream running parallel to the Tuateawa hill in May 13. The young of this species are one of a group of species so relished by whitebaiters and although it is still seen fairly common in parts of the country the kokupu is in decline along with the rest of our native fish. As well as predation by both humans and such introduced species as trout and salmon, the kokupu is also impacted by deteriorating water quality due to the effects of development. Some analysts predict that all our native fish will be extinct by 2050.More information here: http://blog.forestandbird.org.nz/why-our-whitebait-are-at-risk/ and here: http://www.niwa.co.nz/freshwater-and-estuaries/nzffd/NIWA-fish-atlas/fish-species/banded_kokopu
Habitat Tuateawa 
16/12/2015 at 8:56 am
The continued presence of several species of native fish in Tuateawa streams is a feature of the place, we reckon. (Sue & Alan Saunders)
21/12/2015 at 1:15 pm
Given the declining status of most of our native fish it is very cool that they are still present at Tuateawa!