Galaxiella McDowall

Coleman, Rhys A., Hoffmann, Ary A. & Raadik, Tarmo A., 2015, A review of Galaxiella pusilla (Mack) (Teleostei: Galaxiidae) in south-eastern Australia with a description of a new species, Zootaxa 4021 (2), pp. 243-281 : 260

Genus Galaxiella McDowall

Gender: feminine.

Galaxiella McDowall, 1978: 116 . Type species: Galaxias pusillus Mack, 1936: 101 .

A genus of four valid species endemic to Australia, with two native to south-eastern Australia (including Tasmania) and two native to south-western Australia.

Diagnosis (modified from McDowall 1978a and McDowall & Frankenberg 1981). Small, stocky, horizontallystriped galaxiid fishes with dorsal fin origin usually in line with, or posterior to, anal fin origin (occasionally slightly anterior). Pelvic fins present, usually 5–6 rays (range 4–7); pectoral fins inserted high laterally. Caudal fin rounded, usually with 13–14 segmented rays (range 11–15); caudal peduncle flanges very strongly developed, extending forward ventrally to near anal fin base, but with very few procurrent rays. No submandibular laterosensory pores. No median ethmoid ossification. Postcleithrum present. Epipleural and epineural ribs present; no ossified interneurals. Caudal neural and haemal spines slender spikes, not laterally flattened. Vertebrae few, 34– 43; branchiostegals few, 3–4. Sexual dimorphism present in two species from south-eastern Australia, including smaller size at maturity, three distinct horizontal black stripes along sides of body and bright orange-red horizontal stripe between lower two black stripes in males.