Scientific Name
Galaxias olidus
Common Name
Mountain galaxias
Biology
Lives mainly in small. Clear, flowing streams with gravel or sand bottoms from near sea level to about 1800 m elevation. May be cryptic, living among log debris and boulders, or sometimes found in loose shoals in more open conditions. Also occurs in small upland tarns where it may be found shoaling in open water. Tolerant of very cold water, it has been collected from a tarn surrounded by deep snow. Life cycle (maximum life span of about 4 years) is restricted to fresh water. Feeds on benthic and drifting invertebrates. Breeds in spring (sometimes extending to autumn); adults move upstream into shallow riffle areas to lay their demersal, adhesive eggs over rocky bottoms (Ref. 44894).