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Dwarf galaxias (Galaxias divergens) — Galaxiidae

Dwarf galaxias

Galaxias divergens
Family: Galaxiidae

The Dwarf galaxias (Galaxias divergens) is a freshwater fish of the family Galaxiidae that grows up to 7 cm.

Length
6.8 cm
Water
Freshwater
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Mixed bottom
Danger
Harmless
Range
Oceania: New Zealand

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Description

The dwarf galaxias is a small galaxiid (Galaxiidae) endemic to clear streams and rivers of New Zealand. The species grows to about 7 cm and has an elongate, scaleless, olive-brown mottled body without pelvic fins. As a bottom-dweller it shelters among stones and gravel of cool, flowing water and snaps at insect larvae and small invertebrates. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Dwarf galaxias?

The Dwarf galaxias has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly brown and shows a marbled pattern.

Where does the Dwarf galaxias live?

The Dwarf galaxias lives in fresh water and is mostly found around mixed bottom. Oceania: New Zealand

How big does the Dwarf galaxias get?

The Dwarf galaxias grows to a maximum of about 7 cm.

Is the Dwarf galaxias dangerous to humans?

No, the Dwarf galaxias 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.

More photos

Dwarf galaxias (Galaxias divergens) — Galaxiidae — 2
iNaturalist ((c) Zoe Anthony Quested, some rights reserved (CC BY))
Dwarf galaxias (Galaxias divergens) — Galaxiidae — 3
iNaturalist ((c) hrubbo, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))
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All data

Identification

English name
Dwarf galaxias sourced
Scientific name
Galaxias divergens
Family
Galaxiidae
Other names
Dwarf Galaxias; Dwarf kokopu verified

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
6.8 verified
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like) sourced
Dominant colour
Brown sourced
Pattern
Marbled sourced
Tail shape
Straight inferred

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Freshwater sourced
Substrate
Mixed bottom sourced
Natural range
Oceania: New Zealand sourced
Origin
Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

Territorial
No inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes inferred
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred
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 Galaxias

More from the family Galaxiidae

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