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Cape Galaxias (Galaxias zebratus) — Galaxiidae

Cape Galaxias

Galaxias zebratus
Family: Galaxiidae
DD · Data Deficient

The Cape Galaxias (Galaxias zebratus) is a freshwater fish of the family Galaxiidae that grows up to 8 cm.

Length
7.5 cm
Water
Freshwater
Diet
Carnivore
Behaviour
Small groups
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Mixed bottom
Danger
Harmless
Range
Southern Africa; lakes and rivers of the Cape region.
Edibility
Not eaten

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Description

The Cape galaxias is a galaxias (Galaxiidae) from southern Africa. The species is small, slender and scaleless with a rearward-set dorsal and anal fin. It is widespread in lakes and rivers of the Cape region and sometimes penetrates far inland. As a small predator it feeds on small invertebrates, insect larvae and small zooplankton. The name probably covers several species. The species is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Cape Galaxias?

The Cape Galaxias has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly brown and shows a marbled pattern. Slender, scaleless small galaxias of the South African Cape region; probably a species complex.

Where does the Cape Galaxias live?

The Cape Galaxias lives in fresh water and is mostly found around mixed bottom. Southern Africa; lakes and rivers of the Cape region.

How big does the Cape Galaxias get?

The Cape Galaxias grows to a maximum of about 8 cm.

Is the Cape Galaxias dangerous to humans?

No, the Cape Galaxias is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.

Is the Cape Galaxias edible?

The Cape Galaxias is not usually eaten.

More photos

Cape Galaxias (Galaxias zebratus) — Galaxiidae — 2
Wikimedia Commons — no rights reserved (CC0)
Cape Galaxias (Galaxias zebratus) — Galaxiidae — 3
Wikimedia Commons — no rights reserved (CC0)
Cape Galaxias (Galaxias zebratus) — Galaxiidae — 4
iNaturalist ((c) suretha_dorse, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))
Cape Galaxias (Galaxias zebratus) — Galaxiidae — 5
iNaturalist ((c) Alex Rebelo, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))
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All data

Identification

English name
Cape Galaxias verified
Scientific name
Galaxias zebratus
Family
Galaxiidae
Other names
Cape Galaxias verified

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
7.5 verified
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like) sourced
Dominant colour
Brown inferred
Pattern
Marbled inferred
Tail shape
Rounded inferred
Mouth position
Terminal inferred
Lips
Thin inferred
Barbels
No sourced
Dorsal fins
One continuous inferred
Dorsal spines
No sourced

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Freshwater sourced
Substrate
Mixed bottom sourced
Natural range
Southern Africa; lakes and rivers of the Cape region. inferred
Origin
Native sourced

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Carnivore sourced
Diet (detail)
Small invertebrates, insect larvae and small zooplankton sourced
Social behaviour
Small groups inferred
Territorial
No inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes sourced
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred
Seasonality
Present year-round in its habitat; no pronounced seasonality known. inferred
Special features
Slender, scaleless small galaxias of the South African Cape region; probably a species complex. sourced

For anglers

Edibility
Not eaten sourced
Fishing method
Not a target species for angling; at most an incidental catch or usable as baitfish. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless sourced
First aid
None required: this species is harmless to humans. sourced

Status & sources

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

Same genus Galaxias

More from the family Galaxiidae

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