Morwell Galaxias, Galaxias sp. nov. 'Morwell'


Morwell Galaxias, Galaxias sp 'Morwell', from the Morwell River, Victoria. Source: Tarmo A. Raadik / Arthur Rylah Institute. License: All rights reserved

Summary:
An undescribed species of Galaxias known only from a very small section of a headwater stream (3.7 km reach) in Gippsland, Victoria, Australia.

Cite this page as:
Bray, D.J. 2020, Galaxias sp. nov. 'Morwell' in Fishes of Australia, accessed 20 Apr 2024, https://fishesofaustralia.net.au/Home/species/5533

Morwell Galaxias, Galaxias sp. nov. 'Morwell'

More Info


Distribution

Known only from three isolated sub-populations in the most upstream 3.7 km of  the headwaters of the Morwell River east branch, a tributary of the La Trobe River in Victoria, at an elevational range of 350-400 m asl. Historically, this species is considered to have been more widespread in the Morwell River system.
Inhabits a small, cool partly shaded freshwater stream (0.5-1.5 m) in a forestry catchment. The stream is shallow, slightly turbid and slow-flowing, with a mostly bedrock and silty substrate and some gravel and sand. Instream cover is provided by rocks, small amounts of timber debris and overhanging vegetation.

Conservation

Additional threats include threats include increasing fire frequency, fire suppression impacts, and sediment input into streams from soil disturbance during timber harvesting operation. Climate change is also predicted to cause increased the severity and frequency of drought (Raadik 2019)

Author

Bray, D.J. 2020

Morwell Galaxias, Galaxias sp. nov. 'Morwell'

References


Raadik, T. 2019. Galaxias sp. nov. 'Morwell' . The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2019: e.T128972916A128972919. https://dx.doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.UK.2019-3.RLTS.T128972916A128972919.en. Downloaded on 21 January 2020.

Quick Facts


Conservation:IUCN Critically Endangered

Habitat:Freshwater stream

Native:Endemic

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