Biology:Shortjaw kokopu

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Short description: Species of fish

Shortjaw kokopu
Adult shortjaw kokopu (Galaxias postvectis), Heao Stream, Waitaanga Forest. Photo by Stella McQueen.jpg
Shortjaw Kokopu
Scientific classification edit
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Actinopterygii
Order: Galaxiiformes
Family: Galaxiidae
Genus: Galaxias
Species:
G. postvectis
Binomial name
Galaxias postvectis
F. E. Clarke, 1899
Shortjaw Kokopu.jpg

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]

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.[3] 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

  1. "Galaxias postvectis". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. https://www.iucnredlist.org/details/8813/0. Retrieved 8 August 2015. 
  2. 2.0 2.1 2.2 McDowall, R.M. (2000). The Reed Field Guide to New Zealand Freshwater Fishes. Auckland: Reed. ISBN 0 7900 0725 8. 
  3. McQueen, Stella (2013). A photographic guide to freshwater fishes of New Zealand. Rod Morris. Auckland. ISBN 978-1-86966-386-5. OCLC 858411018. https://www.worldcat.org/oclc/858411018. 

External links

Wikidata ☰ Q44154 entry