Mountain Galaxias

Galaxias olidus

The mountain galaxias (Galaxias olidus) is a small freshwater fish in the family Galaxiidae. Adults reach about 12 cm with a small head, large mouth, and short-based fleshy fins. They lack scales, showing a smooth skin with yellowish-green to brown coloration above, olive to silvery below, with speckles, blotches, and banding. This species occurs on both sides of the Great Dividing Range from southern Queensland to eastern South Australia, inhabiting freshwater streams from the coast up to 1,800 m elevation at depths of 0-2 meters. Mountain galaxias are predatory, feeding on aquatic insects, small crustaceans, and terrestrial insects that fall into the water. Recent taxonomic revision has revealed that what was considered one species is actually a complex of at least 15 distinct species. They require cold, clear, well-oxygenated flowing water and their presence indicates high-quality mountain stream habitat.