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Black-stripe minnow (Galaxiella nigrostriata) — Galaxiidae

Black-stripe minnow

Galaxiella nigrostriata
Family: Galaxiidae

The Black-stripe minnow (Galaxiella nigrostriata) is a freshwater fish of the family Galaxiidae that grows up to 4 cm.

Length
4.4 cm
Water
Freshwater
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom
Danger
Harmless
Range
Oceania: Australia

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Description

The black-stripe minnow is a very small galaxiid (Galaxiidae) from temporary peat swamps and pools of southwestern Australia. The species grows to about 4 cm and has a slender, yellow-brown body with a few sharp black longitudinal stripes. In drought it can aestivate in moist mud. It eats small zooplankton, insect larvae and invertebrates. Through habitat loss the species is vulnerable. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Black-stripe minnow?

The Black-stripe minnow has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly yellow-gold and shows a horizontal stripes pattern.

Where does the Black-stripe minnow live?

The Black-stripe minnow lives in fresh water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Oceania: Australia

How big does the Black-stripe minnow get?

The Black-stripe minnow grows to a maximum of about 4 cm. On average the species is around 3 cm.

Is the Black-stripe minnow dangerous to humans?

No, the Black-stripe minnow is harmless to humans. This species is harmless to humans. No specific first aid is needed. Still handle the fish with care: mind the fin rays and the sharp edges of the gill cover, and rinse any scratch with clean water and cover it. For a dirty or deep wound check tetanus status.

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All data

Identification

English name
Black-stripe minnow sourced
Scientific name
Galaxiella nigrostriata
Family
Galaxiidae
Other names
Blackstriped dwarf galaxias; Black-striped Minnow; Dwarf minnow; Galaxias; Striped galaxias verified

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
4.4 verified
Average length (cm)
3.0 verified
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like) sourced
Dominant colour
Yellow / gold sourced
Pattern
Horizontal stripes sourced
Tail shape
Rounded inferred

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Freshwater sourced
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom sourced
Natural range
Oceania: Australia sourced
Origin
Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

Territorial
No inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes inferred
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred
levensduur_max_jaar
1.0 verified
Seasonality
Present year-round in its habitat; no pronounced seasonality known. inferred

For anglers

Fishing method
Small in size and barely an angling target; mostly caught incidentally or as baitfish. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless verified
First aid
This species is harmless to humans. No specific first aid is needed. Still handle the fish with care: mind the fin rays and the sharp edges of the gill cover, and rinse any scratch with clean water and cover it. For a dirty or deep wound check tetanus status. verified

Status & sources

Sources
FishBase via GBIF (DwC-A), CC-BY-NC 4.0

Same genus Galaxiella

More from the family Galaxiidae

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