How to identify a Flathead Galaxias

Wanted! Sightings of this fish

Feared extinct in NSW…

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.

But you many have seen them…

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?

You may mistake these for…

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.

Flathead Galaxias are distinguished by the following features: 1. Flattened head. 2. Large mouth with equal jaws. 3. Light olive green body with light mottling. 4. Anal fin always slightly behind dorsal fin. 5. Very small pectoral and pelvic fins. 6.Transparent fins. Flathead Galaxias may be mistaken for an Obscure Galaxias

A critically endangered Flathead Galaxias (left) and a common Obscure Galaxias (right)

Distinguishing features

Flathead Galaxias are distinguished by:

  1. Flattened head
  2. Large mouth with equal jaws
  3. Light olive green body with light mottling
  4. Anal fin always slightly behind dorsal fin
  5. Very small pectoral and pelvic fins
  6. Transparent fins

We need your help!

If you see a Flathead Galaxias, take a photo of the fish on its side and report the sighting. This is critical for identification.

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