Dwarf pencilfish (Lepidogalaxias salamandroides)

Scientific name: Lepidogalaxias salamandroides Mees, 1961

Dwarf pencilfish (Lepidogalaxias salamandroides)

The Dwarf pencilfish (Lepidogalaxias salamandroides) is a freshwater fish of the family Galaxiidae. In the aquarium it needs water at 17–26°C (63–79°F). Native range: Oceania, endemic to Western Australia in seasonal pools between the Blackwood and Kent rivers.

Dwarf pencilfish care at a glance

Temperature
17–26°C (63–79°F)

Biology

Occurs in shallow streams, drains and temporary pools in generally acidic water around pH 4. Water typically is tea-coloured. 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. 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.

Source: FishBase, licensed CC BY-NC 4.0.

Species facts

Scientific name
Lepidogalaxias salamandroides
Family
Galaxiidae (Galaxiids)
Order
Osmeriformes (Smelts)
Class
Actinopterygii (Ray-finned fishes)
Maximum length
7.4
Common length
4.0
Environment
Freshwater;; pH range: 3.8 - 4.5; dH range: 5 - ? demersal; non-migratory
Climate
Temperate
Distribution
Oceania: endemic to Western Australia in seasonal pools between the Blackwood and Kent rivers.
Conservation status (IUCN)
Lower Risk: near threatened (LR/nt)
Threat to humans
Harmless
Uses
Fisheries: of no interest
Resilience
Low, minimum population doubling time 4.5 - 14 years (Fec = 37)

Sources

Taxonomy, distribution and biology data: FishBase (Froese, R. and D. Pauly, eds.), licensed CC BY-NC 4.0.

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