Description

Dorsal spines (total): 0; Dorsal soft rays (total): 10 - 12; Anal spines: 0; Anal soft rays: 11 - 13; Vertebrae: 53 - 54. Scales completely absent (Ref. 30189). Dark brown dorsal surface, irregular dark brown bars and bands extending down sides, ventral surface yellow-cream in color (Ref. 30189).

Common Names

No common names available.

Taxonomic Hierarchy

Kingdom: Animalia

Phylum: Chordata

Class: Teleostei

Order: Galaxiiformes

Family: Galaxiidae

Genus: Galaxias

Species: Galaxias johnstoni Scott, 1936

Climate Zone

Location

Biology

Facultative air-breathing in the genus (Ref. 126274); Found in shelter of rocks and boulders in lacustrine habitats, also found in swamps and streams draining in and out of lakes (Ref. 44894). Adults occur in the rocky margin of Clarence Lagoon, its outlet stream and several tributaries that flow into the lake. Adults feed on benthic crustaceans while juveniles feed partly on planktonic crustaceans, and insects and their larvae (Ref. 30189, 44894). Very secretive species, darts for cover under boulders if disturbed. The entire life cycle (may live for up to four years) takes place in fresh water. Adults move into inlet streams to spawn in spring. The demersal eggs take about 2 months to hatch. Fry reside in open surface waters of the lake (Ref. 44894).

Habitat

demersal

Conservation Status

Endangered

Threat to Humans

Harmless