Shortjaw kokopu
The shortjaw kokopu (Galaxias postvectis) is a galaxiid fish, endemic to New Zealand. They are large, scaleless fish which inhabit stable pools in cascading, bouldery streams with forest cover.[2] Shortjaw kokopu are amphidromous, with the fry going to sea after hatching, and returning as juveniles to fresh water where they grow to adulthood.[2] They may grow to a maximum of 350 mm (14 in) in total length, but more commonly reach 150–200 mm (5.9–7.9 in).[2]
Shortjaw kokopu | |
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Shortjaw Kokopu | |
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Species: | G. postvectis |
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Galaxias postvectis F. E. Clarke, 1899 | |
The Shortjaw Kokopu live in microhabitats that have more large particles at the bed of the body of water (substrates) and more places to seek safety compared to all nearby possible habitats. During the night, they remain in calmer areas like pools, whereas during the day Shortjaw Kokopu spend their time in places with large substrates and a more tumultuous water surface, staying in both flow channel and pool habits.
References
- "Galaxias postvectis". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Retrieved 8 August 2015.
- McDowall, R.M. (2000). The Reed Field Guide to New Zealand Freshwater Fishes. Auckland: Reed. ISBN 0 7900 0725 8.
- Froese, Rainer and Pauly, Daniel, eds. (2006). "Galaxias postvectis" in FishBase. March 2006 version.
- NIWA Fish Atlas - Shortjaw Kokopu June 2006
- [1]
External links
- New Zealand native freshwater galaxiid fish, Shortjaw kokopu TerraNature, Auckland 2010
- McEwan, AJ. "Diel habitat use of two sympatric galaxiid fishes (Galaxias brevipinnis and G-postvectis) at two spatial scales in a small upland stream in Manawatu, New Zealand". Web of Science. SPRINGER, 233 SPRING ST, NEW YORK, NY 10013 USA.