Author: Raadik, 2014
FBname: Short-tail Galaxias
Comments: A freshwater fish not able to undertake diadromous migrations. It is recorded from clear and gently flowing, unshaded, narrow and shallow (1.0 m average width and 0.3 m average depth) creek, consisting predominantly of pools connected by very short sections of shallow riffles. The substrate consisted of clay overlain with fine and coarse sand, with areas of silt, and riparian vegetation had been cleared and consisted of pasture and tussock grass. The instream cover was provided by rock, aquatic vegetation and overhanging grasses and maximum pool depth was 0.9 m (Ref. 98815). 
  The general catchment of the creek at the type locality was disturbed, having been previously cleared for grazing. At the time of sampling (0900 hrs, 14 March 2002) the instream dissolved oxygen (DO) concentration was relatively low (4.2 mg/L) and majority of fish were captured in the shade under the bridge at the head of a pool where, presumably, water of higher DO concentration was flowing in over a short riffle section (Ref. 98815).  
  Recorded at a relatively high density of 2.15 fish/m2, but this was probably elevated above normal levels encountered in an undisturbed stream due to fish congregating in shade and accessing higher quality water (see above). This fish was collected with a native species of freshwater crayfish (<i>Euastacus</i> sp.), the native Common freshwater shrimp and the translocated native <i>Cherax destructor</i> (Common Yabby) (Ref. 98815).  
  Spawning period is unknown, although all mature fish examined in mid-March were in an early stage of gonad development, with gonads filling from 25-50% of the body cavity, and the smallest fish collected measuring 4.94 cm LCF, suggesting spawning during late winter/early spring. One individual was found with small white cysts, possibly trematode metacercariae, embedded in tissue on the inside of both gill covers (Ref. 98815).