ANIMAL SPECIES:Salamanderfish, Lepidogalaxias salamandroides Mees, 1961
The Salamanderfish is an elongate species with a cylindrical body and reddish eyes. It is greenish-brown above and pale below. It has dark blotches and silver speckles on the sides of the body. It grows to about 7 cm in length. Males are smaller than females.
Identification
The Salamanderfish is an elongate species with a cylindrical body and reddish eyes. It is greenish-brown above and pale below. It has dark blotches and silver speckles on the sides of the body.
The Salamanderfish is the only species in the family Lepidogalaxiidae.
Size range
It grows to about 7 cm in length. Males are smaller than females.Distribution
It is endemic to Australia, occurring in a restricted area of Western Australia between the Albany District and Scott River.
Habitat
The species is found in freshwater streams and pools in sandy peat flat areas. These waters are usually darkly tannin stained and often very acidic (pH 3.0-6.5). When pools start to dry up in summer, the fish constructs a small burrow in which it aestivates until heavy rains fall in winter.
Behaviour and adaptations
Other behaviours and adaptations
The Salamanderfish cannot move its eyes. Instead it has an unusually flexible neck, that allows the head to be moved independently of the body.
Classification
- Species:
- salamandroides
- Genus:
- Lepidogalaxias
- Family:
- Lepidogalaxiidae
- 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.
- Merrick, J.R. & G.E. Schmida. 1984. Australian Freshwater Fishes. Biology and Management. John R. Merrick. Pp. 409.
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A Salamanderfish caught at Dentrecasteaux Point View full size
Doug Hoese
© Doug Hoese
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