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Swan Galaxias

Swan Galaxias

Galaxias fontanus

Quick Facts

Scientific name Galaxias fontanus

Other names Tasmanian Mudfish, Swamp Galaxias

Size Up to 13.5 cm (5.31 in)

Weight Under 20 grams

Distribution

Habitat & AU Distribution Freshwater rock pools of streams & creeks often near wood debris

Depth Range 0 - 3 m (10 ft)

Interesting Info

The Swan Galaxias is a freshwater fish species endemic to eastern Tasmania.
It has a slender body with a flattened head and a pointed snout. The species is usually brown or grey in colour, with a lighter underbelly.
They are mainly nocturnal and feed on small invertebrates.
The species is known to have a relatively low reproductive rate, with females laying around 50-100 eggs per breeding season.
The species is typically found in freshwater streams, swamps, and lakes, and is known for its ability to tolerate low-oxygen environments.
In Tasmania, Swan Galaxias is protected under the Threatened Species Protection Act 1995.
Their lifespan is estimated to be around 5-7 years.

Species Interaction

Recreational Fishing

Swamp galaxias is a popular target for recreational fishing in Tasmania, Australia. They are generally considered to be a challenging fish to catch, as they can be quite elusive and are often found in small, hard-to-reach areas such as swamps and marshes.

Species
Sustainability

Scientific Classification

Kingdom: Animalia

Phylum: Chordata

Class: Actinopterygii

Order: Salmoniformes

Family: Galaxiidae

Genus: Galaxias

Species: Galaxias fontanus

Conservation Status

Swamp galaxias is considered to be a threatened species in Tasmania, Australia, where it is found. It is listed as “Endangered” under the Tasmanian Threatened Species Protection Act 1995 and the Commonwealth Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999.