ottdurr

Remember there is no crime in simply giving them away. If they start overpopulating your tank simply donate them to someone, don't release them into the wild. On a side note, how did you get them to breed?

The guides can sometimes be vague, here is some comparisons they don't neccesarily always make clear: A few differences between inanga and kokopu: -Inanga generally live about 1 or 2 years, because in the wild they die after spawning (I think) -Kokopu can live for like 5 years and do not die after spawning -Inanga generally grow to about 10 Cm max -Banded kokopu can reach 20cm easily and Giant kokopu can sometimes reach twice that -Inanga have a silvery belly and a dark-olive on pale-olive stripey pattern but it's more sort of camouflage like swirls, not so much vertical bands. -Banded kokopu have bands (obviously) vertically across their body -Giant kokopu can someimes have bands too which makes it confusing, an easy way to tell is that only banded kokopu have the black and silver disc shape behind the operculum. -Inanga and kokopu both eat any insects that fall into the water -Inanga spend more time in open water, in the top of the water column in small schools -Kokopu are sometimes solitary or can be found in high densities in very small shallow pools with favorable conditions (shaded, lots of bugs etc). And yes, bullies are similar to rock cod in a way as they sit on the stream bed rather than swim around up top. I live in the Henderson valley area and there are a few places in the Waitakere's that you can see kokopu and inanga-but not really many places where it is legal to take them home. Bullies are pretty easy to find, almost any creek in the henderson area. Again, you should take note of the legalities of taking them.

I'm not entirely sure on the suitability of Kokopu to living in a pond, you would have to make sure it has lots of shade and stays cool during summer. I'm sure someone else has better advice in regards to that. Food wise, kokopu eat a lot so be prepared. Store bought frozen blood worms are good for smaller ones, and so is farming mosquito larva. If your pond is outdoors then a certain amount of mosquitos gnats and moths will naturally fall into the water and the kokopu will know exactly what to do with them. You can get Beef heart or kidney at most supermarkets, any red meat that isn't processed or flavored will probably be okay, maybe steer away from liver though as that can sometimes contain waay too much salts and vitamins and stuff. Chopped into small strips works good but it's not the most natural thing for them to be eating so try not to make it an everyday food. Earthworms, slaters, beetles maybe even cicadas if the fish is big enough will all make excellent food and you can just catch them for free in your yard. I have not tried store bought meal worms but I don't see why they wouldn't work. Also, this is only my opinion, but I don't think any native fish are terribly ideal for a pond as you would never see them, they like to hide during the day. They work better in an aquarium where you can see them even when they're hiding under logs and stuff.

Hi, I made an account just to post this, but have been lurking the forums for some time. I have 2 Banded Kokopu, both approximately 8cm, although one is slightly skinnier. The skinnier one is a recent addition and the old one is being a typical kokopu and chasing it. But i noticed something strange about the new one; it changes colour whilst being chased. Here is an album showing the color change and comparing before and after: http://imgur.com/a/FxNoO. Its body turns pale except for a dark band going horizontally the length of its body. Does anyone else know about this? Is it because of stress from being chased, or is it breeding shenanigans? I guess part two to my question is, what's the best way to sort out the bigger one being a bully? should I let them sort out their hierarchy or should I separate the old fish to give the new one some space to get used to captivity in peace, and also make the older fish less territorial after spending some time in a different territory? They don't so much as fight, just the old one beats up the new one and I'm concerned it's putting unhealthy amounts of stress on the new one.