Galaxias johnstoni Scott, 1936
Clarence Galaxias

Family:  Galaxiidae (Galaxiids), subfamily: Galaxiinae
Max. size:  14 cm SL (male/unsexed); max.weight: 20.0 g
Environment:  demersal; freshwater
Distribution:  Oceania: known only in Clarence Lagoon and tributaries and the upper reaches of the Clarence River, which is part of the Derwent River system of Tasmania, Australia.
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 0-0; Dorsal soft rays (total): 10-12; Anal spines: 0-0; Anal soft rays: 11-13; Vertebrae: 53-54. Scales completely absent (Ref. 30189). Dark brown dorsal surface, irregular dark brown bars and bands extending down sides, ventral surface yellow-cream in color (Ref. 30189).
Biology:  Found in shelter of rocks and boulders in lacustrine habitats, also found in swamps and streams draining in and out of lakes (Ref. 44894). Adults occur in the rocky margin of Clarence Lagoon, its outlet stream and several tributaries that flow into the lake. Adults feed on benthic crustaceans while juveniles feed partly on planktonic crustaceans, and insects and their larvae (Ref. 30189, 44894). Very secretive species, darts for cover under boulders if disturbed. The entire life cycle (may live for up to four years) takes place in fresh water. Adults move into inlet streams to spawn in spring. The demersal eggs take about 2 months to hatch. Fry reside in open surface waters of the lake (Ref. 44894).
IUCN Red List Status: Endangered (EN); Date assessed: 11 February 2019 (B1ab(iii,iv)+2ab(iii,iv)) Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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