Mud minnow (Galaxiella munda)

Scientific name: Galaxiella munda McDowall, 1978

Mud minnow (Galaxiella munda)

The Mud minnow (Galaxiella munda) is a freshwater fish of the family Galaxiidae. In the aquarium it needs water at 8–24°C (46–75°F). Native range: Oceania, endemic to Australia. Known only from the southwestern part in coastal streams between Albany and Ellen Brook.

Mud minnow care at a glance

Temperature
8–24°C (46–75°F)

Biology

Occur in swift-flowing, tea-colored streams coursing through karri forests. Also found in swamps, ponds and roadside ditches. Usually lives in small flowing streams near submerged vegetation. Water inhabited is darkly tannin-stained and acidic (pH 3.0-6.0). Feed on insects and their larvae in water; also on micro-crustaceans. Spawning has been recorded from July to October, peaking between August and September when water temperatures and day length are on the rise. Multiple-spawning females deposit several clutches of eggs over a protracted period of a few weeks in flooded vegetation. Sexual maturity is attained in the first year. Spent adults usually die a few months after spawning.

Source: FishBase, licensed CC BY-NC 4.0.

Species facts

Scientific name
Galaxiella munda
Family
Galaxiidae (Galaxiids)
Order
Osmeriformes (Smelts)
Class
Actinopterygii (Ray-finned fishes)
Maximum length
6.0
Common length
3.5
Environment
Freshwater; benthopelagic
Climate
Temperate
Distribution
Oceania: endemic to Australia. Known only from the southwestern part in coastal streams between Albany and Ellen Brook.
Conservation status (IUCN)
Lower Risk: near threatened (LR/nt)
Threat to humans
Harmless
Resilience
Low, minimum population doubling time 4.5 - 14 years (K=3.70; tm=1; tmax=1; mean Fec=65)

Sources

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

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