Scientific Name
Galaxias fontanus

Common Name
Swan galaxias

Biology
Lives in slow to moderately swift flowing waters situated in dry scrub country; occurring in aggregations usually in rocky pools or along shallow stream margins around log debris. Occurs in gently to moderately flowing water of shallow spring-fed creeks (Ref. 44894). Feeds on insects and their larvae, small crustaceans and algae. A shoal-forming species, particularly when young. The entire life cycle takes place in fresh water. Breeds in its second year during spring. Maximum life span is about 3 years (Ref. 44894).

Classification

Classified By

Fulton, 1978

Class

Ray-finned fishes (Actinopterygii)

Order

Smelts (Osmeriformes)

Family

Galaxiids (Galaxiidae)

Distribution

Region

Oceania

Distribution

Oceania: known only from the upper Swan River of eastern Tasmania.

Range

40°S - 45°S

Environment

Climate

Temperate

Water Temperature From

Unknown °C

Water Temperature To

Unknown °C

Depth From - meters

Unknown m

Depth To - meters

Unknown m

Zone

benthopelagic

Environment

Freshwater; benthopelagic

Trophic Level

3 s.e. 0.37 Based on food items.

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

13.5 cm

Common Length

7.0 cm

Phylogenetic Diversity Index

PD50 = 0.5000 many relatives (e.g. carps) 0.5 - 2.0 few relatives (e.g. lungfishes)

Human Uses and Population

Human Uses

Unknown

Vulnerability

Low vulnerability (19 of 100)

Resilience

High, minimum population doubling time less than 15 months (Preliminary K or Fecundity.)

Threat To Humans

Harmless

IUCN Red List Status

Critically Endangered (CR) (B1+2bc)