Galaxias mcdowalli facts for kids

McDowall's galaxias (Galaxias mcdowalli) is a small freshwater fish. It belongs to a group of fish called galaxiids. These fish are part of the 'Mountain Galaxias' family. You can find McDowall's galaxias in Australia. It was named after Robert (Bob) Montgomery McDowall, a scientist who studied fish.

What Does McDowall's Galaxias Look Like?

McDowall's galaxias looks a lot like other fish in its family. It has a long, tube-shaped body. Its back is a bit flat in front of its belly fins. This fish is usually about 6.5 to 7.5 centimeters (2.5 to 3 inches) long. The biggest one ever found was 8.4 centimeters (3.3 inches) long.

From the side, its back and belly curve smoothly from its nose to its tail. The back curves a little more. It has a medium-sized head that is wider than it is deep. Its head looks a bit like a wedge from the side.

Fins and Color

The fins of this fish are a bit thick at their bases. They are medium-long and rounded. The fins on its back and under its body are about the same length. Its front fins are short and shaped like paddles. They are placed low on its body. The belly fins are also short and are about halfway along its body. Its tail is a medium length. It has small flaps along the part of its body just before the tail.

McDowall's galaxias is mostly olive-brown on its back and sides. This color goes up to the top of its head and nose. It fades to light brown or cream lower down on its body. Its belly is white. It has small to medium dark spots and blotches over its main color. Some of these spots join together to form uneven stripes.

There is a wide, golden line along the middle of its side. This line looks shiny towards the back of the fish. A thin line of golden speckles runs down the middle of its back. This line goes from its neck to its back fin. The covers over its gills are clear, with a large golden patch. Its eyes are golden, and its fins are clear gray, light brown, or olive-gray.

Where Does McDowall's Galaxias Live?

Distribution map of Galaxias mcdowalli, McDowall's Galaxias

McDowall's galaxias has been found in the upper parts of the Rodger River. This river is a branch of the Snowy River in East Gippsland, Australia. It lives at a high place, about 680 meters (2,230 feet) above sea level.

You won't find this fish in the middle or lower parts of the Rodger River. This is because brown trout, which are not native to Australia, have moved into those areas. Scientists believe that something in the river stops the trout from swimming further upstream.

It is thought that this fish used to live in more places. Its home might have included the Snowy River and the lower Buchan River. But when brown trout were brought in, the galaxias lost a lot of its living space.

What Kind of Home Does It Like?

McDowall's galaxias lives in cool, clear rivers. These rivers have lots of plants growing in and around them. The river is usually shallow, about 0.5 meters (1.6 feet) deep. It is also about 3 to 5 meters (10 to 16 feet) wide. Some parts of the river have deeper pools, about 1 to 2 meters (3 to 7 feet) deep.

The bottom of the river is mostly sand, silt, and clay. Some areas have larger rocks and pebbles. The fish can hide under plants hanging over the water. They also hide under river banks that are cut away and under fallen tree branches.

Lifecycle and Reproduction

McDowall's galaxias lives only in freshwater. It does not swim downstream to salty water or the sea during its life. Scientists are not sure when they lay their eggs. But they think it happens in late spring to summer.

Why Is This Fish Important?

McDowall's galaxias is a critically endangered fish. This means it is at a very high risk of becoming extinct. It is protected by the Victorian Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act 1988 in Australia. This law helps to keep it safe.

People do not fish for McDowall's galaxias. This is because it is very small and because it is an endangered species.