The brown mudfish, Neochanna apoda, a galaxiid endemic to New Zealand, is found in wetlands in the southwest of the North Island and the northern half of the west coast of the South Island. It commonly grows to 100-130 mm in length, and it can live to at least 7 years. The dorsal and anal fins of the brown mudfish are very long-based, extending close to the caudal fin, nearly joining it. It inhabits shallow swamp-forest wetlands. If the water dries out over summer, it is able to aestivate in damp areas, such as under logs and in root holes, until the water returns.