Editing Eastern freshwater cod (section)

==Lifecycle==
Growth is highly variable in eastern freshwater cod, but overall is slower than in [[Murray cod]]. The oldest specimen yet aged was only 14 years old, but this likely reflects limited sampling and many decades of overfishing and poaching that have led to the loss of most large individuals. There is little doubt the species has the potential to reach or exceed the maximum age recorded in Murray cod (48 years).<ref name=butler_2008/>

Eastern freshwater cod are sexually mature at 4 to 5 years old, and at sizes as small as 700&nbsp;g, the latter being markedly smaller than in Murray cod.<ref name=butler_2008/><ref name=butler_2009/> This appears to be an evolved adaptation to the rocky, low-nutrient, and often quite small waterways in which they found. The [[trout cod]], a ''[[Maccullochella]]'' cod, once found in comparable habitats in the Murray-Darling system, displays a similar trait.

Eastern freshwater cod spawn in early spring when water temperatures exceed 16&nbsp;°C, using rock structures as sites for the adhesive eggs. Most other aspects of their spawning, including the guarding of eggs and newly hatched larvae by the male fish, are similar to Murray cod.<ref name=butler_2009/> The breeding season is 8–10 weeks long. Males clean and protect nesting sites until females enter and a complex spawning ritual is performed. The males then protect the eggs until hatching, and continue to defend the larvae for 12–14 days until they disperse.<ref name=fishes/>

While specifically targeting this protected species is prohibited, it is also important for anglers to avoid any accidental captures of eastern freshwater cod in winter when they are developing their roe (eggs), or in early spring when spawning is occurring, as research indicates this results in resorbed roe or abandoned nests, respectively, and a failed spawning effort.<ref name=butler_2009/> (The eggs in abandoned nests are rapidly consumed by shrimp, turtles and small fish.) A total fishing closure is in effect on the [[Mann River (New South Wales)|Mann]] and [[Nymboida River]]s and their tributaries between August and October each year specifically to prevent this.<ref name=fishing_rules/>

[[Image:Eastern freshwater cod habitat.jpg|thumb|Eastern freshwater cod habitat: Eastern freshwater cod often share such habitats with Australian bass.]]