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How to catch Common bully

Gobiomorphus cotidianus McDowall, 1975

About Common bully fishing

The common bully is a small demersal fish belonging to the family Eleotridae, native to New Zealand waters and characterised by an elongated body shape reaching up to fifteen centimetres in total length. It thrives across diverse aquatic environments ranging from freshwater streams and hypertrophic lakes to brackish estuaries and coastal marine zones. Exhibiting an amphidromous lifestyle, the species undertakes movements between fresh and saltwater habitats during its lifecycle. Its diet is primarily composed of various benthic invertebrates, insect larvae, and microcrustaceans gathered near the substrate. While lacking status as a major sport fish, it plays an important ecological role as a native forage species within littoral and riverine habitats.

  • Difficulty

    Medium

  • Average size

    10 cm

  • Habitat

    Freshwater, Brackish, Saltwater

  • Season

    Spring, Summer, Autumn, Winter

Common bully

Spotted Fins

Distinct dark spots arranged in rows across the clear dorsal and caudal fins.

Cheek Markings

Dark spots and vermiculations on the cheek help distinguish this common bully.

Lateral Markings

A series of mottled dark blotches forms a broken mid-lateral band along the body.

Common bully fishing facts

Characteristics

  • Typical size

    10 cm (max 15 cm TL )

  • Typical weight

    0.2 kg (max 0 kg )

  • Preferred temperature

    11.9–19.1 °C

  • Depth

    3–20 m

  • Longevity

    3 years

  • Body shape

    Elongated

  • Vulnerability score

    27.1

Best hours

  • Dawn

    First light

    Low

  • Morning

    After sunrise

    Peak

  • Midday

    High sun

    Active

  • Afternoon

    Late day

    Peak

  • Dusk

    Last light

    Low

  • Night

    After dark

    Low

When to fish for Common bully

01
January
02
February
03
March
04
April
05
May
06
June
07
July
08
August
09
September
10 Now
October
11
November
12
December

How to catch Common bully

Tips for catching Common bully

Targeting this small benthic species requires fine tackle presented very close to the bottom in shallow margins, slow-flowing rivers, or lake edges where individuals find cover among rocks and vegetation. Because they feed actively on small aquatic organisms, presenting small natural baits on lightweight hooks yields the best results during calm daylight hours. Anglers should focus efforts around shallow littoral zones, particularly during warmer months when fish congregate near structured substrates. Using ultra-light gear with sensitive presentation allows detection of subtle bites from these bottom-dwelling inhabitants.

Other names for Common bully

Local and alternate names anglers use for Common bully.

  • Common bully

Best equipment to catch Common bully

Compare fishing methods for Common bully — sized kit for each technique.

Note: Typical fish is 0.2 kg Our algorithm will suggest the best equipment for you based on this weight.

Best lures and baits for Common bully

Ranked lures and natural baits from every method, best first.

How Common bully migrates — Amphidromous

Moves between fresh and salt water during its life, but not specifically to spawn. Fish the estuary and the lower river.

How Common bully migrates — Amphidromous 1. Eggs: Spawned at sea or along the coast. 2. Larvae: Drift inshore with the currents. 3. Juveniles: Move into estuaries, lagoons and fresh water to feed and grow. 4. Adults: Return to the sea to mature and spawn.
Fresh water Estuary Sea

1 Eggs

Sea

Spawned at sea or along the coast.

2 Larvae

→ Estuary

Drift inshore with the currents.

3 Juveniles

Fresh water

Move into estuaries, lagoons and fresh water to feed and grow.

4 Adults

→ Sea

Return to the sea to mature and spawn.

The crossing is for feeding and growth, not to spawn.

Hover or tap a number to read each stage.

Diet and behavior of Common bully

  • Diet

    Carnivore

  • Feeds by

    Hunts animals

  • Hunts

    Morning · Afternoon

  • Main prey

    Baitfish

Prey and predators of Common bully

Prey is what Common bully eats. Predators are the animals that eat it.

That is how it feeds, and how it is hunted.

Prey

What it eats

Predators

What hunts it

Fish

  • Anguilla australis australis juv./adults

Where Common bully lives

Lives on or just above the bottom. Work jigs, bait, and lures along the seabed.

Habitats
Freshwater, Brackish, Saltwater
Depth zone
Sublittoral
Continental shelf · 3–20 m
Water column
Demersal
On or near the bed

Where this species lives