Fin's Fish Guide
The Common galaxias (Galaxias maculatus) is a fish that lives in both fresh and salt water of the family Galaxiidae that grows up to 19 cm.
Southern Hemisphere - South America (Chile, Argentina), Australia, New Zealand and islands.
Description
The spotted galaxias or inanga is a slender, scaleless fish of the family Galaxiidae widely distributed in the Southern Hemisphere, in South America, Australia and New Zealand. The species has an elongate, olive-green body with dark spots and reaches about 19 cm. It lives in slow streams, rivers and lakes close to the sea and tolerates high salinities. Adults migrate to estuaries in autumn during spring tides to spawn on bankside vegetation; many die afterwards. The juveniles form the well-known 'whitebait', which is widely eaten.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Common galaxias?
The Common galaxias has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly green and shows a spots pattern. Scaleless; the juveniles form the well-known 'whitebait'; adults spawn on bank vegetation at spring tide.
Where does the Common galaxias live?
The Common galaxias lives in both fresh and salt water and is mostly found around mixed bottom. Southern Hemisphere - South America (Chile, Argentina), Australia, New Zealand and islands.
How big does the Common galaxias get?
The Common galaxias grows to a maximum of about 19 cm. On average the species is around 10 cm.
Is the Common galaxias dangerous to humans?
No, the Common galaxias is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Common galaxias edible?
Yes, the Common galaxias is commonly eaten.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Galaxias
More from the family Galaxiidae
Want the complete picture on the Common galaxias?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Common galaxias is one of 12,519 species in the app.