| Western galaxias | |
|---|---|
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Actinopterygii |
| Order: | Osmeriformes |
| Family: | Galaxiidae |
| Genus: | Galaxias |
| Species: | G. occidentalis |
| Binomial name | |
| Galaxias occidentalis (Ogilby, 1899) |
|
The western galaxias (Galaxias occidentalis), also called the western minnow, is a species of fish in the genus Galaxias of small, Southern Hemisphere freshwater fish of the family Galaxiidae.
The Western galaxias is endemic to Australia. It is large compared with other galaxiids, commonly found to be 100 millimetres (4 in) in length but can grow up to 170 millimetres (7 in).[1][2] It is found in many waterways in the South West region of Western Australia from north of Perth to as far east as Albany.
The western galaxias is able to live in conditions ranging from freshwater pools to slow-flowing saline rivers. It iw often found in and around submerged vegetation in rocky pools at the base of rapids and waterfalls.
The western galaxias is carnivorous and mainly feeds on small insects and crustaceans.