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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
Edibility
Not eaten

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.

Where does the Cape Galaxias live?

The Cape Galaxias lives in fresh water and is mostly found around mixed bottom.

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.

Is the Cape Galaxias edible?

The Cape Galaxias is not usually eaten.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Kaapse galaxias sourced
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
Origin
Native sourced

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Carnivore sourced
Social behaviour
Small groups inferred
Territorial
No inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes sourced
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred

For anglers

Edibility
Not eaten sourced
Fishing method
Geen doelsoort voor de hengelsport; hooguit incidentele vangst of bruikbaar als aasvisje. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless 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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