Stocky Galaxias Indicative Distribution in NSW

The Stocky Galaxias (Galaxias tantangara Raadik 2014) is a newly described species with few museum specimens. The name ‘tantangara’ is taken from the small alpine stream from which the first specimens were collected, a tributary of the upper Murrumbidgee River draining from Mount Tantangara. The species is only known from one locality, the headwaters of Tantangara Creek, upstream of the Tantangara Reservoir, NSW. It is restricted to a small creek above a waterfall, approximately 4 km from the source.

The Stocky Galaxias is a small fish named after its distinctly stocky body. It is recorded to grow to 103mm long and 13g in weight, but is more commonly 75-85 mm long. The body is predominantly dark olivebrown on the back and upper sides above the lateral line, becoming lighter to cream ventrally. Individuals possess many dark brown to almost black spots and flecks that may vary in size, found along the body, head and snout. The fins are translucent dusky grey and the gill covers are translucent. It has a long anal fin, short nostrils and an upper jaw that is slightly longer than the lower jaw.

They are a critically endangered species - https://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/fishing/species-protection/whatcurrent/critically/stocky-galaxias.

As this species only occurs in one locality, the 2018 NSW Hydroline was used for its indicative distribution.