The Clarence galaxias (''Galaxias johnstoni'') is a species of fish in the family Galaxiidae endemic to Tasmania.

Description

The Clarence galaxias is scaleless and has a dark brown back with brown bars and bands extending down its sides, while the belly is a lighter yellow-cream color. Adults reach a body length of 12.5–14 cm and a maximum weight of 20 g.

Distribution and habitat

The Clarence galaxias is a freshwater species and inhabits lakes as well as swamps and streams connected to lakes. It is endemic to Tasmania's Derwent River catchment, including the Clarence Lagoon. Only seven breeding populations are currently known.

Conservation

While locally common, the species has been classified as endangered by the

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. It is under pressure from predation and competition from introduced

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and

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Behavior

This Galaxia is an ambush predator. They burrow or find a lair to predate from. Unless food is bountiful they show vigor and are aggressive during feeding .They tend to perch themselves on top of structures such as rocks using their pectoral fins regularly. They are more active during the evening. The foods observed eaten are only live foods such as nymphs, mosquito larve, and brine shrimp. Blood worms are an exception and also eaten frozen. Upon further observation, they clunkily get around swimming, turning their body they seem stiff in the mid section. They have tremendous strength relative to size with a thick front section, large gaping jaw and large fan like fins.

References

Clarence galaxias The Clarence galaxias (''Galaxias johnstoni'') is a species of fish in the family Galaxiidae Endemism, endemic to Tasmania. Description The Clarence galaxias is scaleless and has a dark brown back with brown bars and bands extending down its sid ...

Freshwater fish of Tasmania River Derwent (Tasmania) Critically endangered fauna of Australia

Taxonomy articles created by Polbot

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