Listed as 'Endangered' under the Tasmanian Threatened Species Protection Act 1995.

Listed as 'Endangered' under the Commonwealth Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999

This species is totally protected and may not be taken without a permit.

A small to medium sized native freshwater fish with a stout build and a bluntish head. The upper and lower jaws are about equal. The anal fin originates below the middle of the dorsal fin. There are no scales present, as in all galaxias

Adults are usually dark brown on the back with bars and blotches on the sides. The belly is a silvery yellow colour. Juveniles are lightly pigmented. They develop adult colouration when about 40 mm in length. Numerous black spots (parasites) are often present

Adults are generally above 70 mm in length, but can grow up to 140 mm

An endemic Tasmanian species found only in the Clarence River catchment and parts of the upper Derwent and Nive catchments. It is now reduced to six isolated populations and is no longer found in the lower Clarence catchment, due to the invasion of brown trout (Salmo trutta). Although able to co-exist with brook trout in Clarence lagoon it is thought that brown trout out compete and/or prey upon Clarence galaxias

A purely freshwater species, spawning takes place in spring. Eggs have been found deposited on rocks in the lower reaches of streams. Hatching occurs after about two months and the larvae form schools in the open water. At around 40 mm, juveniles develop adult colouring and move to a more benthic habitat. They live for at least four years

The species occupies stream, marsh and lake habitats where no brown trout are present. The juveniles tend to prefer open water while the adults utilise benthic habitat

Larvae feed on planktonic crustaceans while adult fish prefer benthic crustaceans and insects

Predation and competition from brown trout; disturbance to riparian vegetation and instream habitat