Galaxias mcdowalli

This species is distinguished from all other species within the Galaxias olidus complex by the following characters: segmented pelvic fin rays 8; high vertebral count 55; head length about as long as pelvic fin to anal fin length distance; dorsal and anal fin are bases relatively long (9.9-13.0 and 11.0-12.5 % SL, respectively); snout long (27.0-33.7 % HL), post-orbital head length short (48.9-55.2 % HL); inter-orbital relatively wide (38.6-44.8 % HL); nostrils of moderate length and not visible from ventral view; pelvic fins moderately short (8.9-10.8 % SL); caudal peduncle relatively shallow (7.2–8.1 % SL), it is longer than length of caudal fin, the flanges moderately developed and longish, reaching to or anteriorly past distal end of adpressed anal fin rays; dorsal midline is usually quite broadly flat anteriorly from above pelvic fin bases; raised laminae on ventral surface of paired fins is sometimes evident though not strongly developed; gill rakers short and stout; no pyloric caecae; anal fin origin often under 0.53 distance posteriorly along dorsal fin base; no distinct black bars along lateral line (Ref. 98815).

Dorsal soft rays (total): 8 - 12; Analsoft rays: 11 - 12; Vertebrae: 54 - 56

A freshwater fish that is unable to undertake diadromous migrations. It is the only species found within its restricted range. It is recorded from a cool, clear flowing, heavily shaded and shallow (0.5 m) freshwater river, 3-5 m wide, with a substrate of sand, silt and clay, and areas of cobble and pebble. The instream cover was provided by logs, branches and bank and vegetation overhang, and pools ranged from 1-2 m in depth. It was recorded at densities of 0.15-0.18 fish/m2 and was collected with the native species Shortfinned Eel and East Gippsland Spiny Crayfish (Ref. 98815).