ANIMAL SPECIES:Mountain Galaxias, Galaxias olidus Gunther, 1866
The Mountain Galaxias is a small freshwater species that is endemic to Australia. It has a small head, large mouth and short-based fleshy fins. The colouration of this species is highly variable. It can be yellowish green to brown above, olive to silvery below, and have speckles, blotches and banding.
Identification
The Mountain Galaxias has a small head, large mouth and short-based fleshy fins.
The colouration of this species is highly variable. It can be yellowish green to brown above, olive to silvery below, and have speckles, blotches and banding.
Size range
The Mountain Galaxias grows to 13.5 cm in length but is more commonly seen up to about 7cm.Distribution
The Mountain Galaxias endemic to Australia.
It occurs on both sides of the Great Dividing Range from southern Queensland to eastern South Australia.
Habitat
The Mountain Galaxias lives in freshwater streams from the coast to 1800 m elevation.
Behaviour and adaptations
Feeding and Diet
The species eats a range of food items including insects (aquatic and terrestrial) crustaceans, molluscs, worms and spiders.
Classification
- Species:
- olidus
- Genus:
- Galaxias
- Family:
- Galaxiidae
- Class:
- Actinopterygii
- Subphylum:
- Vertebrata
- Phylum:
- Chordata
- Kingdom:
- Animalia
References
- Allen, G.R. 1989. Freshwater Fishes of Australia. T.F.H. Publications. Pp. 240.
- Allen, G.R., Midgley, S.H. & M. Allen. 2002. Field Guide to the Freshwater Fishes of Australia. Western Australian Museum. Pp. 394.
- McDowall, R.M & W. Fulton in McDowall, R.M. 1996. Freshwater Fishes of South-Eastern Australia. Reed Books. Pp. 247.
- McDowall, R.M & R.S. Frankenburg. 1981. The Galaxiid Fishes of Australia. Records of the Australian Museum. 33(10): 443-605.
- Merrick, J.R. & G.E. Schmida. 1984. Australian Freshwater Fishes. Biology and Management. John R. Merrick. Pp. 409.
- Raadik, T. 2001. When is a Mountain Galaxias not a Mountain Galaxias? Fishes of Sahul. 15(4) (November-December).
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A Mountain Galaxias from 'Devil's Pinch' View full size
Mark McGrouther
© Australian Museum
Mountain Galaxias, Galaxias olidus View full size
Mark McGrouther
© Australian Museum
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