Saddled Galaxias, Galaxias tanycephalus Fulton 1978

Known only from Arthurs Lake, Tasmania; temperate; inhabiting the rocky lake shore, particularly around human-made structures such as jetties.

D 11-13 (usually 11-12); A 13-16 (usually 14-15); P 14-17 (usually 15-16); gill rakers on first arch 16-21; vertebrae 53-56

Stout, bullet-shaped body; long head tapering to a long slender snout; mouth large, gape reaching in front of eye depth at vent 6.3-7.5 in SL; lower jaw slightly protruding; jaws with slightly enlarged lateral canines; eye dorsolateral, moderate in size; mouth opening obliquely; lips fleshy; caudal peduncle long and slender.

Scales absent.

Caudal fin emarginate; dorsal and anal fins small; dorsal fin well behind ventral fins, origin above vent just in front of anal fin origin.

To 14.5 cm SL, commonly 7-8 cm.

Olive green to grey overall, sometimes with a purplish sheen on the sides. A series of darker grey saddle-like markings on back and upper sides with a silvery belly. Fins olive to amber.

Adults feed on insects and crustaceans, pelagic juveniles are likely to feed on zooplankton.

Lifecycle is completed in freshwater. Spawning occurs throughout the year with a peak late in spring.

Species is named tanycephalus in reference to the characteristic long slender head. Tany = Greek long; kephale = Greek head.

Galaxias tanycephalus Fulton W. (1978) A description of a new species of Galaxias (Salmoniformes: Galaxiidae) from Tasmania. Aust. J. Mar. Freshw. Res. 29(1): 109-116. Athurs Lake, Tasmania.

Gomon 2010