Reproduction in Galaxias fasciatus Gray (Salmoniformes : Galaxiidae)

A study of the reproductive cycle was made on Galaxias fasciatus Gray from streams on Banks Peninsula, South Island, New Zealand. There was no spawning migration; adults remained in the usual adult habitat to breed. The course of gonad maturation showed that spawning occurred in the autumn, from the end of April to mid‐June. Most males matured at 2 years of age and most females at 4 years old. Egg numbers in the females varied from 3800 to 23 600. Males were predominant in age groups 1–4, females in the older age groups. Amongst fish of potential breeding age there was an excess of males. Circumstantial evidence suggested that eggs were laid among piles of water‐logged debris lodged in pools and backwaters. The larvae, which are briefly described, probably hatch during floods to be swept quickly downstream to the sea.