Golden galaxias (Galaxias auratus)

Scientific name: Galaxias auratus Johnston, 1883

The Golden galaxias (Galaxias auratus) is a freshwater fish of the family Galaxiidae. In the aquarium it needs water at 10–28°C (50–82°F).

Golden galaxias care at a glance

Temperature
10–28°C (50–82°F)

Biology

Lives in rocky areas and vegetated margins of lakes and streams, primarily in lakes preferring still or gently flowing waters. Adults prefer the shelter provided by complex habitats such as rocky lake shores and also in-lake macrophytes beds and marsh habitats. Juveniles occur in the water column until 4-5 months of age (40 mm in length) and then move inshore seeking shelter and larger prey items. Shoaling in open water when young. Feeds on insects, insect larvae and crustaceans and mollusks with cannibalism of eggs and juvenile fish being common. Breeds in early spring among rocks in the shallows. Most fish live for 3-4 years with some reaching over 6 years of age.

Source: FishBase, licensed CC BY-NC 4.0.

Species facts

Scientific name
Galaxias auratus
Family
Galaxiidae (Galaxiids)
Order
Osmeriformes (Smelts)
Class
Actinopterygii (Ray-finned fishes)
Maximum length
24.0
Common length
15.0
Environment
Freshwater; benthopelagic
Climate
Temperate
Distribution
Oceania: known only from Central Plateau of Tasmania in Lake Sorell, Lake Crescent, a tributary of Lake Crescent at Interlaken, and Clyde River, which is the outflow of Lake Crescent.
Conservation status (IUCN)
Not Evaluated
Threat to humans
Harmless
Resilience
Medium, minimum population doubling time 1.4 - 4.4 years (tm=1-2)

Sources

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

Last updated