The species initially drew the attention of Mr Burrows when it reappeared every spring in a creek that was dry over summer.

[5] Under experimental conditions, Canterbury mudfish have survived for 85 days out of water, with a 40% death rate over this period.

[9] When the water dries out completely, Canterbury mudfish continue extracting oxygen from mouthfuls of air as well as absorbing it through their skin.

[9] Although their metabolism slows down, they remain active, frequently changing position, rolling onto their backs and grouping together.

Maintaining awareness of their surroundings, rather than going into a deep torpor like many hibernating animals, allows them to respond to their changing habitat and move to damper places.

They are initially active during the day in open water, then around 35–50 mm (1.4–2.0 in) they adopt adult habits and become nocturnal and spending much of their time hidden.

[9] In 2014 the New Zealand Department of Conservation classified the Canterbury mudfish as "At Risk: Nationally Critical" with the qualifier C - predicted decline >70% over ten years.

[1] A release of Canterbury mudfish has been carried out in a protected wetland near Willowby, south of Ashburton, New Zealand, where it is hoped they will survive and reproduce.