The black-stripe minnow (''Galaxiella nigrostriata'') is a small freshwater species of
fish in the family
Galaxiidae. It is
endemic to
southwestern Australia where it is found in slow-running streams, ponds, swamps and ditches.
Description
''Galaxiella nigrostriata'' males grow to a maximum length of and females to a maximum length of
[Morgan, D., Gill, H.S., Potter, I.C. (1996) 'Distribution of Freshwater Fish in the South-western Corner of Australia.' Water and Rivers Commission Report WRT4 1996, Perth, Western Australia. 26pp.]
This species has 7-9 soft dorsal rays and 10-15 soft anal rays.
This fish has a silvery-grey colouration with a yellow stripe flanked by black stripes that begins behind the eyes and terminates at the base of the tail.
Distribution and habitat
The black-stripe minnow is found in the South West region of Western Australia between the towns of
Augusta and
Albany, and from three separate populations near Bunbury, at
Melaleuca Park just north of Perth, and at
Lake Chandala
A lake is an area filled with water, localized in a basin, surrounded by land, and distinct from any river or other outlet that serves to feed or drain the lake. Lakes lie on land and are not part of the ocean, although, like the much larger ...
north of
Muchea.
Most commonly known to inhabit ephemeral water sources as it is capable of
aestivating in summer in the damp substrate. Also found in a range of conditions from slow-flowing rivers, swamps, freshwater lakes and pools, and road side ditches. It can often be found in and around submerged vegetation in lakes and swamps. It can tolerate acidic water that is tannin stained and with a pH as low as 4.5.
Biology
The black-stripe minnow feeds on aquatic insects and their larvae, and micro-crustaceans. Breeding takes place during the rainy season in winter. At this time, the male becomes much more brightly coloured.
[
]
Status
The IUCN
The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN; officially International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources) is an international organization working in the field of nature conservation and sustainable use of natu ...
has listed the black-stripe minnow as being " endangered".
References
{{Taxonbar, from=Q44466
black-stripe minnow
The black-stripe minnow (''Galaxiella nigrostriata'') is a small freshwater species of fish in the family Galaxiidae. It is Endemism, endemic to Southwest Australia, southwestern Australia where it is found in slow-running streams, ponds, swamps ...
Freshwater fish of Western Australia
Endemic fauna of Australia
Near threatened animals
black-stripe minnow
The black-stripe minnow (''Galaxiella nigrostriata'') is a small freshwater species of fish in the family Galaxiidae. It is Endemism, endemic to Southwest Australia, southwestern Australia where it is found in slow-running streams, ponds, swamps ...
Taxonomy articles created by Polbot
Endemic fauna of Southwest Australia