Emigrating larvae of koaro,Galaxias brevipinnis Günther (Teleostei: Galaxiidae), from the Otira River,New Zealand |
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Authors: | R M McDowall A M Suren |
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Institution: | 1. National Institute of Water &2. Atmospheric Research Ltd , P. O. Box 8602, Christchurch, New Zealand |
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Abstract: | Fish larvae were collected in stream benthic invertebrate drift nets from the Otira River, near Arthur's Pass, New Zealand during a study of benthic drift. They are identified as probably those of koaro (Galaxias brevipinnis Gunther) on the basis of estimates of myomere counts (indicating Galaxiidae or Retropinnidae); by a process of elimination of likely species on the basis of distance up stream, elevation, and habitat characteristics; and by determining fish species in the Otira River tributaries upstream of the sampling location. This comprises the first likely record of emigrating larvae of koaro, a species known to be diadromous by the return migrations from the sea of whitebait juveniles during spring. A newly hatched larva of koaro is described and figured. |
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Keywords: | koaro Galaxias brevipinnis life history larva migration diadromy |
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