Critter of the Week: Eldon's galaxiid

Photo: Crown Copyright DOC

Eldon's galaxiid is one of our non-migratory galaxiids - endemic freshwater fish, and so named for the 'galaxy' of silvery gold spots on their backs which were compared to the stars in a galaxy by those who first identified them.

There are 12 species of non-migratory galaxiids and a further 13 indeterminate taxa recognised in New Zealand.

DoC's threatened species ambassador, Nicola Toki tells us all about this fresh water fish, only found in the streams and rivers that flow through Otago.

Head of an Eldon's galaxiid (image: Stella McQueen)

Eldon's galaxia has irregular brown markings and a dusting of gold. (image: Stella McQueen)

(image: Stella McQueen)

Image courtesy of www.Rodmorris.co.nz

Electrofishing for Eldon's galaxias (Galaxias eldoni) in a deep spring-fed stream on the Lammerlaw ranges, Otago, New Zealand. (image: Stella McQueen)

Habitat of Eldon's galaxias: a deep spring-fed stream on the Lammerlaw Range. (image: Stella McQueen)