Galaxiella pusilla (Mack, 1936)
Eastern dwarf galaxias
Galaxiella pusilla
photo by Kuiter, R.H.

Family:  Galaxiidae (Galaxiids), subfamily: Galaxiinae
Max. size:  4.8 cm SL (male/unsexed); max. reported age: 1 years
Environment:  demersal; freshwater
Distribution:  Oceania: Australia; coastal streams of Victoria from the Mitchell River or a little to the east, west to Mount Gambier in South Australia and south to the northeastern corner of Tasmania, including Flinders Island in Bass Strait.
Diagnosis:   
Biology:  Frequently found among vegetation along the edge of still or slow-running waters like swamps, drainage ditches and backwaters of creeks. Adults live in both ephemeral and permanent habitats. A short-lived fish, reaching maturity in the first year of life and perishing shortly after spawning. Fish occupying ephemeral water possibly aestivate or shelter in crayfish burrows when surface water evaporates during summer (Ref. 44894). Probably an annual species. Spawn from July to October. Like its southwestern relative G. munda, this species is also a multiple spawner (Ref. 44894). Females deposit a few eggs per day on leaf litter. Eggs hatch after 10-17 days at 16°-21°C. Scanty information on diet: captive specimens eat small invertebrates and filamentous algae.
IUCN Red List Status: Endangered (EN); Date assessed: 13 February 2019 (B2ab(i,ii,iii,iv)) Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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