Longjawed galaxias

Longjawed galaxias
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Actinopterygii
Order: Osmeriformes
Family: Galaxiidae
Subfamily: Galaxiinae
Genus: Galaxias
Species: G. prognathus
Binomial name
Galaxias prognathus
Stokell, 1940

The longjawed galaxias (Galaxias prognathus) is a galaxiid of the genus Galaxias, found only in rivers and streams at mid to high altitudes on the eastern side of the Southern Alps in the South Island of New Zealand. It grows to a length of up to 9 cm.

Longjawed galaxias are slender and elongate, having coloration consisting of spots and indistinct bands of various shades of brown and grey. The single dorsal and anal fins are about two thirds of the way along the body. Like all galaxiids it lacks scales and has a thick, leathery skin covered with mucus. The lower jaw is forward of the upper, giving rise to its common name.

References

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