Scientific Name
Galaxias zebratus

Common Name
Cape galaxias

Biology
Occur mostly in coastal and lowland areas but may penetrate some distance inland; widespread in lakes and rivers (Ref. 3563). Prefer gentle currents within shelter of banks near the head of pools. Small but extremely hardy, they are known to tolerate a wide range of water and temperature conditions. Their small size and cryptic color enable them to avoid predators. Feed on small drifting invertebrates (Ref. 7248). Spawning period occurs in spring up to middle of summer (Ref. 33843).

Classification

Classified By

Castelnau, 1861

Class

Ray-finned fishes (Actinopterygii)

Order

Smelts (Osmeriformes)

Family

Galaxiids (Galaxiidae)

Distribution

Region

Africa

Distribution

Africa: Cape coastal streams and rivers from the Keurbooms (south coast) to the Clanwilliam Olifants system (west coast), South Africa.

Range

30°S - 34°S

Environment

Climate

Subtropical

Water Temperature From

18 °C

Water Temperature To

24 °C

Depth From - meters

Unknown m

Depth To - meters

Unknown m

Zone

benthopelagic

Environment

Freshwater; benthopelagic

Trophic Level

3.5 s.e. 0.37 Based on food items.

Occurs in Marine / Salt water

False

Occurs in Brackish water

False

Occurs in Fresh Water

True

Occurs on Reefs

False

Is kept in Aquariums

True

Physical Size and Genetics

Maximum Length

7.5 cm

Common Length

Unknown cm

Phylogenetic Diversity Index

PD50 = 0.5000 many relatives (e.g. carps) 0.5 - 2.0 few relatives (e.g. lungfishes)

Human Uses and Population

Human Uses

Fisheries: of no interest; aquarium: commercial

Vulnerability

Low vulnerability (10 of 100)

Resilience

Low, minimum population doubling time 4.5 - 14 years (Fec

Threat To Humans

Harmless

IUCN Red List Status

Data deficient (DD)