Eldon's galaxias facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Eldon's galaxias |
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| Conservation status | |
 Nationally Endangered (NZ TCS) |
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| Scientific classification | |
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Galaxias
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| Species: |
eldoni
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| Range of Galaxias eldoni | |
The Eldon's galaxias (Galaxias eldoni) is a special type of fish found only in New Zealand. It belongs to a group of fish called galaxiids. This fish is currently in danger of disappearing forever.
It is one of several Galaxias fish species living in the Central Otago region. The Eldon's galaxias lives in a very small area. Its biggest threat comes from trout that were brought to New Zealand for fishing.
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Discovering the Eldon's Galaxias
The Eldon's galaxias was first officially described in 1997. A New Zealand fish expert named Bob McDowall identified it. He found specimens (samples) of the fish in 1995 and 1996.
This fish is part of a group called the Galaxias vulgaris species complex. This means it is closely related to other Galaxias fish. It looks different from Galaxias pullus, another species found nearby. The Eldon's galaxias has unique irregular stripes that go all the way across its back.
The fish was named after another fish expert, G. A. (Tony) Eldon. He helped collect the fish samples. He had recently retired when McDowall named this new species.
What Does it Look Like?
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The Eldon's galaxias has a long body. It is usually about 80 millimeters (about 3 inches) long. Some very large ones can grow up to 155 millimeters (about 6 inches). Its snout (nose) shape can change depending on where it lives.
This fish has large pectoral fins (side fins) and pelvic fins (belly fins). Its dorsal fin (top fin) starts a bit before its anal fin (bottom fin near the tail). Its body color ranges from orange-brown to olive-brown. It has many dark brown markings like speckles, spots, or irregular bands. Its skin also has a shiny golden dusting. Sometimes, it has a small black spot behind its gill cover (operculum).
Unlike most other Galaxias fish, it has only 15 caudal fin rays (tail fin bones). It also does not have pyloric caeca, which are small pouches in the intestine.
Where It Lives
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This fish lives only in the eastern parts of Otago, New Zealand. You can find it in wetlands and small streams. These streams flow into the Taieri, Tokomairiro, and Waipori rivers. They also live in streams below Lake Mahinerangi.
These streams are usually shallow, fast-flowing, and have many stones. They can be found from lowland forests to high alpine areas. The Eldon's galaxias likes to hide among the gravel or under the banks of the water. It is a good climber and can wiggle up wet, rocky slopes. It can even get past waterfalls up to 3 meters (about 10 feet) high.
The fish is often found upstream of waterfalls. These waterfalls act as barriers, stopping introduced salmonid fish like brown trout, rainbow trout, and brook char from moving further up. The Eldon's galaxias likely used to live in a much larger area. However, trout species have taken over most of its original habitat. Now, it only lives in the headwaters (the very start of the streams).
What It Eats
The Eldon's galaxias eats small creatures that live in fresh water. These include insects like stoneflies and mayflies. They also eat bigger prey, such as freshwater crayfish, known as kōura in New Zealand. They will also eat food that floats by in the current.
Its Life Story
Unlike some other well-known Galaxias species, the Eldon's galaxias does not migrate to the sea. It spends its whole life in fresh water. It can live for a long time, sometimes 15 years or more. Some adult fish have been tagged and found again 10 years later.
It grows slowly. Males become adults at one year old, and females at two years old. Females lay a small number of large eggs in October. They lay their eggs at the edge of the stream in riffles (shallow, fast-moving water). The eggs are laid directly into the stony stream bottom. The baby fish hatch about 4 to 6 weeks later. The young fish are large and can swim well. They do not travel far from where they hatched.
Protecting the Eldon's Galaxias
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This species is in serious trouble. The Department of Conservation calls it "Nationally Endangered." The IUCN says it is "Critically Endangered." This is because it lives in very few streams, covering an area of only about 0.69 square kilometers (0.27 square miles).
The biggest threats are introduced species, especially trout. Because the Eldon's galaxias lays few eggs and its young do not spread far, they are easy prey for trout. Since 1997, some small groups of these fish have disappeared. This happened when their land was changed for forestry or farming.
Also, new irrigation canals have allowed a related species, Galaxias pullus, to move into their area. These two species can then breed together, which is not good for the Eldon's galaxias. There are now protected areas for this fish in the Lammerlaw Range. However, these areas are still at risk from trout invading or being put there on purpose.
See also
In Spanish: Galaxias eldoni para niños
