Western galaxias facts for kids

The western galaxias (also known as the western minnow) is a type of fish. It belongs to a group of small freshwater fish called Galaxias, which are found in the southern parts of the world. This special fish lives only in southwestern Australia.

What Does the Western Galaxias Look Like?

The western galaxias is quite a large fish for its family. It usually grows to about 100 millimeters (4 inches) long. Some can even reach up to 170 millimeters (6.7 inches)!

This fish has a slim body with a flat head and snout. It does not have any scales on its skin. Its single dorsal fin (the one on its back) is set far back, right above its anal fin (the one on its belly). The dorsal fin has seven to ten soft rays, while the anal fin has eleven to fourteen.

The top of its body and its sides are olive green. It has some faint, dark vertical stripes. Its belly is a shiny silvery-white color.

Where Does the Western Galaxias Live?

The western galaxias lives in many different waterways in the South West area of Western Australia. You can find them from north of Perth all the way east to Albany.

They like clear water. You might spot them at the edges of deep parts of rivers, at the bottom of fast-flowing sections or waterfalls, in ponds, or in shallow areas of lakes. They can also live in slow-moving rivers that have a bit of salt in them. These fish are tough! They can handle water that is a little salty, or water that is acidic or stained brown by natural plant material called tannins.

How Do Western Galaxias Behave?

The western galaxias is a very fast swimmer. These fish often swim together in groups called shoals. They usually stay just above the bottom of the water in shallow areas. You can often find them swimming around plants that are underwater, especially in rocky pools at the base of fast-moving water or waterfalls.

When the wet season starts, these fish swim upstream into smaller streams. There, they lay their eggs among plants in flooded areas. Western galaxias can start having babies when they are one year old. They can live for up to five years.

The western galaxias is a carnivore, which means it eats other animals. They mainly feed on small insects and tiny crustaceans, like small shrimp or crabs.