
Dwarf Galaxias - Galaxias pusilla

Brown Tree Frog
Devilbend and Tuerong Creeks
This Bypass might become notorious for wiping out an EPBC (Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act) listed animal at each end - the Southern Brown Bandicoot in the northern end and the Dwarf Galaxias at the southern end.
Dwarf Galaxias are small native freshwater fish which only grow to about 40 mm long. They are often found in shallow water that is either still or flowing, where there is good vegetation along the water edge. These Galaxias breed in late winter to early spring, laying between 150 – 200 eggs over a two week period.
Rudie Kuiter who is regarded as one of our top fish experts, believes that Tuerong Creek is one of the few places left on the Mornington Peninsula where this species can survive through long sustained drought periods like we are experiencing at present. It requires slow- moving water and low temperatures which rely on a number of variables. Most important are the waterholes which are protected by heavy vegetation on the banks and adjacent bush that keep temperatures low and stable. At Tuerong there is heavy vegetation and a road bridge, which shelters the water holes from the heat of summer.
He considers the Tuerong site to be a true hotspot for this species and although the alignment has been altered there is still concern that the bypass will impact on the fish. This is the main nursery habitat and thus the most important area for the survival of this species. From this area there is potential to restock all connecting streams to Balcombe Creek, which covers much of Devilbend and Mount Eliza districts, when the drought ends.
Several species of galaxids have the capacity to virtually hibernate during prolonged dry periods in a very small amount of water or mud deep below the ground, using yabby holes or cracks in the bottom of creeks to hide away and wait for rain.
This means there should be no assumption that Galaxias pusilla could not survive the current drought.
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