Critically endangered species - Flathead galaxias
Important information
Scientific name - Galaxias rostratus
Distribution - Flathead galaxias, also known as Murray jollytail are a small native fish that are known from the southern part of the Murray Darling Basin. They have been recorded in the Macquarie, Lachlan, Murrumbidgee and Murray Rivers in NSW. Despite extensive scientific sampling over the past 15 years there have been very few recorded sightings of flathead galaxias. They have not been recorded and are considered locally extinct in the lower Murray, Murrumbidgee, Macquarie and Lachlan Rivers. The species is now only known from the upper Murray River near Tintaldra and wetland areas near Howlong.
Size - Flathead galaxias grow to about 150mm in length.
Characteristics - They are olive green with a silver belly, transparent fins and a slight mottled appearance on their upper sides and back. They have a forked tail, long slender body and a large mouth that extends back to below the eye.
Confusing species - Flathead galaxias are similar in appearance to the common jollytail, Galaxias maculatus, although the distinctive flat head of Galaxias rostratus is a distinguishing feature.
Habitat - Flathead galaxias are found in still or slow moving water bodies such as wetlands and lowland streams. The species has been recorded forming shoals. They have been associated with a range of habitats including rock and sandy bottoms and aquatic vegetation. Flathead galaxias spawn in spring and lay slightly adhesive demersal eggs.