Longjawed galaxias
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| Galaxias prognathus Stokell, 1940 |
The longjawed galaxias, Galaxias prognathus, is a galaxiid of the genus Galaxias, found only in rivers and streams at mid to high altitudes on the eastern side of the Southern Alps in the South Island of New Zealand. It grows to a length of up to 9 cm.
Longjawed galaxias are slender and elongate, having coloration consisting of spots and indistinct bands of various shades of brown and grey. The single dorsal and anal fins are about two thirds of the way along the body. Like all galaxiids it lacks scales and has a thick, leathery skin covered with mucus. The lower jaw is forward of the upper, giving rise to its common name.
The longjawed galaxias has 7 pelvic fin rays, which distinguishes it from the recently separated lowland longjawed galaxias Galaxias cobitinis which has only 5.
The longjaw galaxias is non-diadromous, and the whole life cycle takes place in fresh water. Spawning occurs from March to May and also from October to November. They are nocturnal feeders and live on a variety of aquatic insects, especially mayflies.
[edit] References
- "Galaxias prognathus". FishBase. Ed. Ranier Froese and Daniel Pauly. March 2006 version. N.p.: FishBase, 2006.
- NIWA June 2006
