Fin's Fish Guide
The Zebra galaxias (Aplochiton zebra) is a brackish-water fish of the family Galaxiidae that grows up to 28 cm.
Description
The zebra galaxias is a scaleless freshwater fish from southern South America, along the Chilean Andes from the Callecalle to Tierra del Fuego and on the Falkland Islands. The species grows to about 28 cm and has a streamlined, scaleless body with dark, zebra-like markings in young fish. It lives mainly in lakes, but records close to the sea suggest amphidromy. As a generalist predator it hunts aquatic insects and other invertebrates. The fish is harmless to humans and is assessed as Least Concern (LC) by the IUCN.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Zebra galaxias?
The Zebra galaxias has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a marbled pattern. Scaleless body; probably amphidromous; zebra-like juvenile markings
Where does the Zebra galaxias live?
The Zebra galaxias lives in brackish water and is mostly found around mixed bottom. Southern South America
How big does the Zebra galaxias get?
The Zebra galaxias grows to a maximum of about 28 cm.
Is the Zebra galaxias dangerous to humans?
No, the Zebra 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.
Is the Zebra galaxias edible?
The Zebra galaxias is rarely eaten.
More photos
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Aplochiton
More from the family Galaxiidae
Want the complete picture on the Zebra galaxias?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Zebra galaxias is one of 12,519 species in the app.