Black-stripe minnow facts for kids
- For the Mexican species, see blackstripe minnow
Quick facts for kids Black-stripe minnow |
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|---|---|
| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Galaxiella
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| Species: |
nigrostriata
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The black-stripe minnow (Galaxiella nigrostriata) is a tiny freshwater fish. It belongs to the Galaxiidae family. This special fish lives only in southwestern Australia. You can find it in slow-moving streams, ponds, swamps, and even ditches.
Contents
What Does the Black-Stripe Minnow Look Like?
These small fish don't grow very big. Male black-stripe minnows can reach about 4.4 centimeters (1.7 inches) long. Females are a little larger, growing up to 4.8 centimeters (1.9 inches).
This fish has a pretty silvery-grey color. It has a bright yellow stripe along its side. This yellow stripe is bordered by two black stripes. The stripes start behind its eyes and go all the way to its tail.
Where Do Black-Stripe Minnows Live?
The black-stripe minnow lives in the South West region of Western Australia. You can find them between the towns of Augusta and Albany. There are also groups of them near Bunbury. Other places include Melaleuca Park (north of Perth) and Lake Chandala (north of Muchea).
These fish often live in places where water dries up in summer. They can survive by burying themselves in the damp mud. This special ability is called aestivation. They also live in slow-flowing rivers, swamps, freshwater lakes, and roadside ditches. You might spot them hiding among plants underwater. They can even live in slightly acidic water, like water stained by tannins, with a pH as low as 4.5.
What Do Black-Stripe Minnows Eat and How Do They Breed?
The black-stripe minnow enjoys eating small aquatic insects. They also munch on insect larvae and tiny crustaceans.
They breed during the rainy winter season. When it's time to breed, the male fish become much more colorful. This helps them attract a mate.
Is the Black-Stripe Minnow in Danger?
The IUCN is an important group that checks on animals around the world. They have listed the black-stripe minnow as an "endangered" animal. This means their numbers are getting very low, and they need protection to survive.
