Galaxiella munda McDowall, 1978
Western dwarf galaxias
photo by Berra, T.M.

Family:  Galaxiidae (Galaxiids), subfamily: Galaxiinae
Max. size:  6 cm SL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  benthopelagic; freshwater
Distribution:  Oceania: endemic to Australia. Known only from the southwestern part in coastal streams between Albany and Ellen Brook.
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 0-0; Dorsal soft rays (total): 6-8; Anal spines: 0-0; Anal soft rays: 9-12; Vertebrae: 38-43. Adults are brown-grey dorsally and white ventrally with several whitish blotches near the dorsal midline, and a broad brown stripe just below midline from behind eye to caudal-fin base.
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) (Ref. 44894). 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 (Ref. 44894).
IUCN Red List Status: Endangered (EN); Date assessed: 10 January 2019 (B2ab(i,ii,iii,iv)) Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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