Common galaxias

The common galaxias, also known as inanga, is a charming little fish native to the Southern Hemisphere. Belonging to the Galaxiidae family, this slender fish typically grows to around 10 cm in length and sports a forked tail. Its life cycle is quite intriguing: it spawns at river mouths, spends its early days at sea, and then returns to freshwater in the spring. Depending on your location, you might hear it referred to as cowfish, jollytail, eel gudgeon, or whitebait.

If you ever encounter a common galaxias, you will notice its striking iridescent silver eyes and the mottled spots on its olive-brown body. It is highly adaptable, thriving in freshwater but capable of handling diverse conditions. These fish are quite widespread, appearing in regions such as Chile, Argentina, New Zealand, and parts of Australia. Adults typically inhabit slow-moving waters near the coast and require riparian vegetation for spawning.

Their life cycle is particularly fascinating. They begin their journey in freshwater, where they spawn, and then the larvae migrate to sea. As days lengthen and temperatures rise, this signals the adults to reproduce. They lay their eggs among riparian vegetation, and after spending several months at sea, the young return to freshwater as juveniles. As adults, they feed on insects, crustaceans, and mollusks.

Conserving the common galaxias is crucial as they face threats such as habitat loss and competition from introduced species like trout. Various restoration projects are underway to aid their survival. These projects focus on improving spawning habitats, sometimes employing creative solutions like straw bales to mimic natural vegetation. Such efforts are vital for maintaining connections between different populations and ensuring the survival of this unique and delightful fish.