Dwarf pencilfish (Lepidogalaxias salamandroides) fish species and information / pictures of Dwarf pencilfish - Lepidogalaxias salamandroides

Dwarf pencilfish (Lepidogalaxias salamandroides) fish species information

Scientific Name
Lepidogalaxias salamandroides

Common Name
Dwarf pencilfish

Biology
Occurs in shallow streams, drains and temporary pools in generally acidic water around pH 4. Water typically is tea-coloured (Ref. 44894). Feeds mainly on aquatic insect larvae and small crustaceans. Spawn: late winter, early spring; internal fertilization (male with modified anal fin); female laying about 100 eggs. Rapid growth of hatchlings (reaching 2.5 cm by summer). Life cycle may be limited to 12 months. Young fish aestivates in pear-shaped burrow in mud until water returns in autumn. They have no accessory respiratory structures and cannot withstand low oxygen situations (Ref. 36499). About 25-30% of the population attains sexual maturity at the end of the first year. The breeding season coincides with heavy rains between late May and August. The lifespan typically lasts three years, but some fish persist for up to five years (Ref. 44894).

Classification

Classified By
Mees, 1961
Class
Ray-finned fishes (Actinopterygii)
Order
Smelts (Osmeriformes)
Family
Galaxiids (Galaxiidae)

Distribution

Region
Oceania
Distribution
Oceania: endemic to Western Australia in seasonal pools between the Blackwood and Kent rivers.
Range
34°S - 35°S

Environment

Climate
Temperate
Water Temperature From
17 °C
Water Temperature To
26 °C
Depth From - meters
Unknown m
Depth To - meters
Unknown m
Zone
demersal
Environment
Freshwater; ; pH range: 3.8 - 4.5; dH range: 5 - ? demersal; non-migratory
Trophic Level
2.93 s.e. 0.31 Based on diet studies.
Occurs in Marine / Salt water
False
Occurs in Brackish water
False
Occurs in Fresh Water
True
Occurs on Reefs
False
Is kept in Aquariums
False

Physical Size and Genetics

Maximum Length
7.4 cm
Common Length
4.0 cm
Phylogenetic Diversity Index
PD50 = 1.5000 many relatives (e.g. carps) 0.5 - 2.0 few relatives (e.g. lungfishes)

Human Uses and Population

Human Uses
Fisheries: of no interest
Vulnerability
Low to moderate vulnerability (27 of 100)
Resilience
Low, minimum population doubling time 4.5 - 14 years (Fec = 37)
Threat To Humans
  Harmless
IUCN Red List Status
  Lower Risk: near threatened (LR/nt)