PORT PHILLIP BAY


Galaxias 

Galaxias ornatus Castelnau, 1873

View scientific description and taxonomy

Scientific Details



Order level detail.
A group of small to medium-sized ray-finned fishes with both freshwater and marine life stages. Most spend their lives in freshwater and spawn in the lower reaches of rivers and streams. The larvae develop in the open ocean, before migrating back to freshwater. The order contains three families, two of which are found in Australia.

Taxonomy

Phylum:
Chordata
Subphylum:
Craniata
Superclass:
Gnathostomata
Class:
Actinopterygii
Order:
Osmeriformes
Family:
Galaxiidae
Genus:
Galaxias
Species:
ornatus

General Description

This species is in the family Galaxiidae. Galaxiids have long, slender tubular bodies, lack fin spines, scales and adipose fins, have short-based dorsal and anal fins far back on the body and more-or-less opposite. About 8-15 cm in length.

Biology

Galaxiids are a group of primarily freshwater fishes. Many species are diadromous with marine larval and juvenile stages. Some species are pelagic, whereas others live on or near the bottom.

Habitat

In freshwater, estuarine and marine environments.

Reefs

Open water

Distribution guide

Galaxiid species are found mostly in cooler, temperate freshwaters of the Southern Hemisphere.

Species Group

Fishes › Galaxiids

Depth

Shallow (1-30 m)

Water Column

On or near sea floor Midwater

Max Size

15 cm

Commercial Species

Yes

Global Dispersal

Recorded in Australia

Conservation Status

  • DSE Advisory List : Not listed
  • EPBC Act 1999 : Not listed
  • IUCN Red List : Not listed

Author

article author Bray, D.J.

Di Bray is a Senior Collection Manager of ichthyology at Museum Victoria.

Author

article author Gomon, M.F.

Dr. Martin Gomon is a Senior Curator of ichthyology at Museum Victoria.

citation

Cite this page as:
Bray, D.J. & Gomon, M.F., 2011, Galaxias, Galaxias ornatus, in Taxonomic Toolkit for marine life of Port Phillip Bay, Museum Victoria, accessed 23 Dec 2024, http://136.154.202.208:8098/species/6340

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