Galaxias divergens

Taxobox
name = Dwarf galaxias
regnum = Animalia
phylum = Chordata
classis = Actinopterygii
ordo = Osmeriformes
familia = Galaxiidae
subfamilia = Galaxiinae
genus = "Galaxias"
species = "G. divergens"
binomial = "Galaxias divergens"
binomial_authority = Stokell, 1959

The dwarf galaxias, "Galaxias divergens", is a galaxiid of the genus "Galaxias", found only in the lower North Island and upper South Island of New Zealand. It grows to a length of up to 9 cm.

The dwarf galaxias is amber to olive green in colour with dark brown blotches on the sides and back forming indistinct vertical bars. The belly is silvery. 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 dwarf galaxias has six pelvic fin rays, which distinguishes it from most other galaxiids which have only five.

Spawning occurs from March to May and also from October to November. They live on a variety of aquatic insects, especially mayflies and midges. They are non-diadromous and therefore do not have a marine phase and are not part of the whitebait catch.

References

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