Alpine galaxias facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Alpine galaxias |
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The alpine river galaxias (Galaxias paucispondylus) is a special type of fish. It belongs to a family of fish called galaxiids. You can only find this fish in the cool, clear streams of New Zealand. These streams flow down from the high Southern Alps. This small fish can grow up to about 11 centimeters long.
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Alpine Galaxias: A Unique Fish
The alpine galaxias is a fascinating creature. It's known for its unique look and where it chooses to live. This fish is a true freshwater resident, meaning it spends its entire life in rivers and streams.
What Does It Look Like?
The alpine galaxias has a distinctive appearance.
- Color: Its body is often speckled olive-green. This color helps it blend in with the rocky stream beds. It has a lighter brown color underneath.
- Fins: It has several fins that help it swim.
- The dorsal fin is on its back. It is large and rounded. It sits about two-thirds of the way down its body.
- The anal fin is located a little further back, near its tail.
- The caudal fin is its tail fin. It is large and slightly forked, which helps it move quickly through the water.
- Skin: Unlike many fish, the alpine galaxias does not have scales. Instead, it has thick, leathery skin. This skin is covered with a layer of mucus. This mucus helps protect the fish and keeps it slippery.
Where Does It Live?
This fish is only found in specific places in New Zealand. It prefers streams that are at mid to high altitudes. These are streams that start high up in the mountains. The Southern Alps provide the perfect cold, clear water for these fish.
Special Features
The alpine galaxias has a very interesting life cycle.
- Freshwater Life: It is a non-diadromous fish. This means it lives its whole life in fresh water. It does not travel to the sea, unlike some other fish species.
- Not Whitebait: Because it stays in fresh water, it is not part of the famous whitebait catch. Whitebait are young fish that are caught as they migrate from the sea into rivers. The alpine galaxias does not make this journey.
See also
In Spanish: Galaxias paucispondylus para niños
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