Longjawed galaxias

Taxobox
name = Longjawed galaxias
regnum = Animalia
phylum = Chordata
classis = Actinopterygii
ordo = Osmeriformes
familia = Galaxiidae
subfamilia = Galaxiinae
genus = "Galaxias"
species = "G. prognathus"
binomial = "Galaxias prognathus"
binomial_authority = Stokell, 1940

The longjawed galaxias, "Galaxias prognathus", is a galaxiid of the genus "Galaxias", found only in rivers and streams at mid to high altitudes on the eastern side of the Southern Alps in the South Island of New Zealand. It grows to a length of up to 9 cm.

Longjawed galaxias are slender and elongate, having coloration consisting of spots and indistinct bands of various shades of brown and grey. The single dorsal and anal fins are about two thirds of the way along the body. Like all galaxiids it lacks scales and has a thick, leathery skin covered with mucus. The lower jaw is forward of the upper, giving rise to its common name.

The longjawed galaxias has seven pelvic fin rays, which distinguishes it from the recently separated lowland longjawed galaxias "Galaxias cobitinis" which has only five.

The longjaw galaxias is non-diadromous, and the whole life cycle takes place in fresh water. Spawning occurs from March to May and also from October to November. They are nocturnal feeders and live on a variety of aquatic insects, especially mayflies.

References

*
* [http://www.niwascience.co.nz/rc/freshwater/fishatlas/species/longjaw_galaxias NIWA June 2006]