Deep within Australia’s ancient Daintree Rainforest, along a pristine nine-mile river stretch, lives a true marvel: the Bloomfield River Cod. For millions of years, this tiny fish, the world’s only tropical cod, has thrived, hiding by day and feeding by night. It’s a living fossil, a remnant from 25-30 million years ago, quietly surviving until its discovery in 1993 by researchers Mark Kennard and Brad Pusey. They named it after the Bloomfield River and the local Aboriginal Wujal Wujal community – Guyu wujalwujalensis, or the tropical nightfish.
But this beautiful, 10-centimeter-long species now faces immense danger. Its unique habitat is under attack from two fronts. Firstly, introduced predators like the Tully Grunter, a larger fish believed to have been brought in by recreational fishers, are competing for food and preying on young cod. Their numbers have exploded, forcing the cod into hiding.
Secondly, human-caused climate change is delivering devastating blows. Two years ago, Cyclone Jasper, one of Australia’s most powerful cyclones, ravaged the cod’s home. The storm washed away crucial river habitat and introduced even more predators, leaving a scarred landscape.
Now, Kennard and Pusey are racing against time. They recently returned to survey the damage and count the remaining cod, hoping to get it officially listed as endangered. This status would provide much-needed protection for a species that represents “a really complex and long period of evolution.” Indigenous Rangers are also joining the effort, bringing local knowledge and helping monitor the fish.
Saving the Bloomfield Cod is a complex challenge, with ideas ranging from captive breeding to establishing new populations. But one thing is clear: losing this unique fish would be a tragedy. Scientists like Kennard are determined to prevent its extinction within the next 10-20 years. This ancient survivor deserves a future.
Source: https://www.cnn.com/2025/12/26/australia/australia-fish-bloomfield-cod-intl-hnk-dst
