Mountain Galaxias, Galaxias olidus Gunther, 1866

ANIMAL SPECIES:Mountain Galaxias, Galaxias olidus Gunther, 1866

The Mountain Galaxias is a small freshwater species that is endemic to Australia. Its colouration is highly variable. Taxonomic work is revealing that several species are probably 'masquerading' under the species name olidus.

Identification

The Mountain Galaxias has a small head, large mouth and short-based fleshy fins. The colouration of this species is highly variable. It can be yellowish green to brown above, olive to silvery below, and have speckles, blotches and banding.

Size range

The Mountain Galaxias grows to 13.5 cm in length but is more commonly seen up to about 7cm.

Distribution

The Mountain Galaxias endemic to Australia.

It occurs on both sides of the Great Dividing Range from southern Queensland to eastern South Australia.

Distribution by collection data

Biomaps map of Mountain Galaxias specimens in the Australian Museum collection.

What does this mean?

Habitat

The Mountain Galaxias lives in freshwater streams from the coast to 1800 m elevation.

Behaviour and adaptations

Feeding and Diet

The species eats a range of food items including insects (aquatic and terrestrial) crustaceans, molluscs, worms and spiders.

Classification

Species:: olidus
Genus:: Galaxias
Family:: Galaxiidae
Order:: Salmoniformes
Class:: Actinopterygii
Subphylum:: Vertebrata
Phylum:: Chordata
Kingdom:: Animalia

What does this mean?

References

Allen, G.R. 1989. Freshwater Fishes of Australia. T.F.H. Publications. Pp. 240.
Allen, G.R., Midgley, S.H. & M. Allen. 2002. Field Guide to the Freshwater Fishes of Australia. Western Australian Museum. Pp. 394.
McDowall, R.M & W. Fulton in McDowall, R.M. 1996. Freshwater Fishes of South-Eastern Australia. Reed Books. Pp. 247.
McDowall, R.M & R.S. Frankenburg. 1981. The Galaxiid Fishes of Australia. Records of the Australian Museum. 33(10): 443-605.
Merrick, J.R. & G.E. Schmida. 1984. Australian Freshwater Fishes. Biology and Management. John R. Merrick. Pp. 409.
Raadik, T. 2001. When is a Mountain Galaxias not a Mountain Galaxias? Fishes of Sahul. 15(4) (November-December).

Mark McGrouther , Collection Manager, Ichthyology
Last Updated: 3 August 2011

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