Flathead Galaxias was historically recorded in the Macquarie, Lachlan, Murrumbidgee and Murray Rivers, however there are currently no known secure populations in NSW. The species is listed as critically endangered in NSW.
This small fish grows to 14 cm and prefers still or slow moving waterbodies such as wetlands and lowland streams. Maybe you’ve accidentally caught one in your shrimp trap?
Other Galaxias such as the common Obscure Galaxias, however Flathead Galaxias are distinguished by their flattened head, light body colour and the position of their anal and dorsal fins.
A critically endangered Flathead Galaxias (left) and a common Obscure Galaxias (right)
Flathead Galaxias are distinguished by:
If you see a Flathead Galaxias, take a photo of the fish on its side and report the sighting. This is critical for identification.