Age, growth, and movements of giant bullies (Gobiomorphus gobioides) in the Kakanui River estuary, South Island, New Zealand

The giant bully, Gobiomorphus gobioides (Valenciennes), is widespread throu ghout New Zealand, but remains one of our least known freshwater gsh. Durin g a study of seasonal fish abundance and movements in the Kakanui River est uary, South Island, New Zealand, giant bullies captured mainly in fyke nets were measured and tagged. Growth rates and movements were calculated for t he 19 fish recaptured. Growth rates corresponded with mean growth rates bac k-calculated from otoliths-scales were considered to overestimate age, and no age classes were evident from length-frequency distributions. Seasonal c hanges in condition were associated with spawning during spring-summer.