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Scientific Name
Galaxias maculatus
Other Common Names
Common Jollytail, minnow,
Size
Commonly 40-120, up to 190 mm
Conservation Status
Common/widespread
Habitat
Tolerates a wide range of habitats, has a preference for still or slow
moving waters. Able to withstand very high salinity well above that
of sea water.
Distribution in East Gippsland
In Southern East Gippsland.
Reproduction
Spawns amongst terrestrial vegetation around river estuaries when under
water at high tide. The eggs remain out of water for two weeks or more
until a later group of spring tides. Most adults die after spawning.
When the eggs are re-inundated they hatch and the larvea, which are about
7 mm long, migrate to sea. The young spend the Winter there and return
to freshwater after about 5 to 6 months. The returning young fish are
around 45-50 mm long, transparent and enter the rivers in huge shoals
on the rising tide. Usually the fish reach maturity and spawn the following
Autumn at 1 year of age. Occasionally females may delay maturity and
spawning until the second or even the third year.
Diet
Carnivorous, feeding on a wide variety of small aquatic insects, crutaceans
and molluscs as well as terrestrial insects especially chironomid (midge)
larvae. Will take any small animal from the surface, mid water or the
bottom.
Angling
Not an angling species. Forms part of the recreation whitebait catch
in Tasmania.
On the table
Not generally used as a food fish in Australia, but is consumed to a
limited extent as whitebait.
In the aquarium
An easily kept, active aquarium species. However, females may become
egg-bound during Autumn and may then die. High temperatures in Summer
can also be a problem, but this can be overcome by freezing water in
plastic drink bottles and floating them in tha tank during the hot days.
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