Swan galaxias (Galaxias fontanus)

Scientific name: Galaxias fontanus Fulton, 1978

The Swan galaxias (Galaxias fontanus) is a freshwater fish of the family Galaxiidae. Native range: Oceania, known only from the upper Swan River of eastern Tasmania.

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. 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.

Source: FishBase, licensed CC BY-NC 4.0.

Species facts

Scientific name
Galaxias fontanus
Family
Galaxiidae (Galaxiids)
Order
Osmeriformes (Smelts)
Class
Actinopterygii (Ray-finned fishes)
Maximum length
13.5
Common length
7.0
Environment
Freshwater; benthopelagic
Climate
Temperate
Distribution
Oceania: known only from the upper Swan River of eastern Tasmania.
Conservation status (IUCN)
Critically Endangered (CR) (B1+2bc)
Threat to humans
Harmless
Resilience
High, minimum population doubling time less than 15 months (Preliminary K or Fecundity.)

Sources

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

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