Galaxias aequipinnis

This species is distinguished from its congeners within the Galaxias olidus complex by the following characters: 8 segmented pelvic fin rays; no pyloric caecae; head length relatively long (21.6-24.5 % SL), about as long as pelvic fin to anal fin length distance; nostrils of moderate length, often just visible anterio-laterally from ventral view; mouth slightly subterminal, the lower jaw shorter than upper distinctive ‘blunt’ profile of snout; long anal fin base (10.4-12.9 % SL); short anal fin length/length of anal fin base ratio, long pelvic fins which are about 0.9 of the pectoral fin length; relatively long snout (27.2-32.0 % HL); a broadly flat dorsal midline anteriorly from above pelvic fin bases; raised lamellae rarely present on the ventral surface of paired fins, if present, weakly developed; anal fin origin usually under 0.6 distance posteriorly along dorsal fin base; no black bars along lateral line (Ref. 98815).

Dorsal soft rays (total): 9 - 11; Analsoft rays: 11 - 12; Vertebrae: 52 - 56

A freshwater fish not able to undertake diadromous migrations. It occurs from small to moderately large (in average 1.5-6.0 m width and 0.15-0.40 m depth), well-shaded and cool, clear to slightly tannin-stained streams, flowing through densely forested catchments, consisting of pools, glides and riffles, with smaller amounts of rapids and backwater areas. The substrate consisted predominantly of bedrock with boulder and cobble, with smaller amounts of gravel and coarse sand, and relatively large areas of silt deposits. Instream cover provided mainly by rock, vegetation overhang and timber debris, with smaller areas of aquatic vegetation, and pools averaged 0.6-0.8 m in depth. Recorded at a density of 0.10-0.28 fish/m2 and collected with the native species Anguilla australis (Shortfinned eel), Galaxias brevipinnis (Broadfinned Galaxias), Euastacus bidawalus (East Gippsland spiny crayfish), Euastacus kershawi (Gippsland spiny crayfish) and Paratya australiensis (Common freshwater shrimp). The predatory alien species Salmo trutta is present farther downstream in the Goolengook River system. Apparently spawning period is during winter to spring, but may be variable. Individuals collected in late February 2002 (late summer) were at an early stage of gonad development but in late May 1992 (end of autumn) were at an advanced stage, with males running ripe and female gonads well developed and generally in a ripe stage. The majority of fish recorded in late May were > 5.4 cm LCF (length to caudal fork), with the smallest sexually developing individual 5.48 cm LCF. Confusingly, there were three individuals also collected in late May were juveniles (3.7, 3.95 and 4.14 cm LCF), considered of 0+ age, possibly indicating a late spawning with a possible November-December hatching. One individual was found to be infected with a short, thin, white worm, coiled and pointed at both ends, from amongst fat deposits around stomach in the body cavity (Ref. 98815).