Galaxias ornatus Castelnau, 1873

Raadik, Tarmo A., 2014, Fifteen from one: a revision of the Galaxias olidus Günther, 1866 complex (Teleostei, Galaxiidae) in south-eastern Australia recognises three previously described taxa and describes 12 new species, Zootaxa 3898 (1), pp. 1-198 : 124-135

Galaxias ornatus Castelnau, 1873

Ornate Galaxias

Tables 4 to 9, 33 & 34; Figures 29 to 32 [Line drawing of holotype figured in Whitley (1955)]

Galaxias ornatus, Castelnau, 1873: 153 (holotype: MNHN A.5225; paratype: (1) MNHN A.6914; type locality: Cardinia Creek, Victoria) [see Appendix 1 for text of original description];— Macleay, 1881: 237; Lucas, 1890: 36; Ogilby, 1896: 69; Regan, 1906: 381; Ogilby, 1912: 33; McCulloch, 1929: 48; Whitley, 1939: 268 (partim); Scott, 1942: 56; Butcher, 1946: 9 (partim); Bertin & Esteve, 1950: 3; Whitley, 1955: 154, fig. 1; Whitley, 1956b: 39; Whitley, 1956c: 34; Munro, 1957: 17; Whitley, 1957a: 7; Whitley, 1964: 35; Frankenberg, 1967: 227; Lake, 1971: 20; McDowall & Frankenberg, 1981: 469; Kuiter, 2013: 60.

Galaxias olidus olidus (non G. olidus Günther, 1866 )— Frankenberg, 1969: 170 (partim).

Galaxias olidus (non G. olidus Günther, 1866 )— Renowden, 1968; Jackson, 1975; Atkins, 1979: 411; Fletcher, 1979 (partim); Jackson & Williams, 1980; McDowall, 1980 b: 57 (partim); McDowall & Frankenberg, 1981: 469 (partim); Cadwallader & Backhouse, 1983: 69 (partim); Hortle & Lake, 1983; Closs, 1984; Campbell et al., 1986: 95 (partim); Koehn, 1986: 7; Rich, 1986 (partim); Hall & Tunbridge, 1988; Tunbridge & Glenane, 1988: 48; McKenzie & O’Connor, 1989; Koehn & O’Connor, 1990; Closs, 1991; Koehn et al., 1991 (partim); O’Connor & Koehn 1991: 113; Closs, 1994; McDowall & Fulton, 1996: 55 (partim), plate p. 56; Closs, 1996; Closs & Lake, 1996; Raadik, 2001; image second from bottom p. 785; Raadik et al., 2001; 85, 88–102, 105 (partim), 106-107, 108 (partim); Allen et al., 2003: 103, upper plate (partim); McDowall, 2003b: 364 (partim); Raadik, 2006b: 138; Schmida, 2008: lower image p. 31; Lieschke et al. 2013 a,b.

Galaxias ornatus var. Yarra— Kuiter, 2013: 62.

Galaxias sp. 9 — Kuiter, 2013: 64.

Conforms to the allozymically defined and morphologically diagnosed taxon ‘BA’ of Adams et al. (2014), and ‘bass’ of Raadik (2011).

Material examined.

Holotype. MNHN A.5225 (1), 101 mm LCF (89.9 mm SL), female, Cardinia Creek , Victoria, F. de Castelnau, ca. 1873 [digital images and X-ray seen];

Paratypes. MNHN A.6914 (1), 90 mm TL, collected with holotype. [digital images and X-ray seen].

Non-type material. all VIC: NMV A.30741-1 (8), 63.3–73.6 mm LCF (56.3–64.8 mm SL), Moonlight Creek, off Allambee Estate Road, Mount Worth State Park, Strezelecki Ranges, 38° 16' 53”S 146° 00' 35”E, TAR, 17 June 2002; NMV A.30734-1 (5), 65.6–83.1 mm LCF (64.6–82.2 mm SL), Bessie Creek, at Twin Creeks Road, Nar Nar Goon North, 38° 00' 29”S 145° 33' 18”E, JPC, 16 December 1998; NMV A.30740-1 (5), 52.8–65.6 mm LCF (45.7–57.8 mm SL), Bessie Creek, same loc. as NMV A.30734-1, TAR, 21 June 2001; NMV A.30681-1 (3), 68.3–68.8 mm LCF (60.0– 60.1 mm SL), Cardinia Creek, tributary, off Old Beaconsfield Road, Emerald, 37° 56' 44”S 145° 26' 54”E, TAR, 5 February 2001; NMV A.30688-1 (6), 66.8–81.0 mm LCF (58.7–70.7 mm SL), Cardinia Creek, same loc. as NMV A.30681-1, TAR, 19 June 2001; NMV A.30738-1 (3), 59.0– 72.6 mm LCF (50.3–63.8 mm SL), Cardinia Creek, same loc. as NMV A.30681-1, TAR, 21 June 2001; NMV A.30693-1 (3), 73.5–105.1 mm LCF (64.5–92.7 mm SL), Ryson Creek, Forest Road, Bunyip State Forest, 37° 58' 27”S 145° 49' 23”E, TAR, 17 June 2002; NMV A.30736-1 (15), 74.5–108.8 mm LCF (65.6–96.0 mm SL), Tarago River, Phasmid Ridge Track, Tarago State Forest, 37° 56' 26”S 145° 48' 57”E, TAR, 24 July 2001; NMV A.30513-1 (8), 57.0– 79.7 mm LCF (50.2–69.5 mm SL), Tarago River, same loc. as NMV A.30736-1, TAR, 17 June 2002; NMV A.30698-1 (6), 54.4–77.6 mm LCF (47.2–68.5 mm SL), Badger Creek, downstream from Coranderrk Homestead, Healesville, 37° 41' 24”S 145° 30' 35”E, Koehn, J.D., 2 May 1984; NMV A.30737-1 (4), 54.3–74.6 mm LCF (46.9–65.9 mm SL), Badger Creek, same loc. as NMV A. 30698-1, O’Connor, W.G., 12 December 1984; NMV A.30697-1 (4), 60.1–71.2 mm LCF (53.5–62.1 mm SL), Badger Creek, Badger Creek Road, Healesville, 37° 40' 56”S 145° 32' 09”E, TAR, 23 July 2001; NMV A.30699-1 (5), 53.2–60.7 mm LCF (50.0– 53.4 mm SL), Badger Creek, Dalry Road, S of Healesville, 37° 41' 21”S 145° 31' 07”E, TAR, 18 June 2002; NMV A.30509-1 (3), 54.0– 72.4 mm LCF (47.3–63.9 mm SL), Cockatoo Creek, trib., Mountain Road, Cockatoo, 37° 55' 24”S 145° 30' 11”E, TAR, 1 February 1993; NMV A.30527-1 (3), 56.5–86.4 mm LCF (48.9–75.0 mm SL), Diamond Creek, Haleys Gully Road, 37° 386' 15”S 145° 11' 29”E, TAR, 14 April 1992; NMV A.30735-1 (10), 64.6–96.1 mm LCF (56.6–85.0 mm SL) and NMV A.30520-1 (5), 49.9–100.1 mm LCF (43.2–88.5 mm SL) Diamond Creek, upstream of Ninks Road, Kinglake N.P., 37° 32' 22”S 145° 19' 32”E, TAR, 15 April 1992; NMV A.30732-1 (3), 42.7–96.3 mm LCF (37.6–84.0 mm SL) Diamond Creek, upstream of Ninks Road, Kinglake N.P., 37° 32' 22”S 145° 19' 32”E, TAR, 18 June 2001; NMV A.30518-1 (2), 56.5–61.2 mm LCF (49.4–53.0 mm SL), Dixons Creek, off Melba Highway, Dixons Creek, 37° 36' 11”S 145° 25' 22”E, TAR, 17 October 2000; NMV A.30733-1 (4), 57.2–64.3 mm LCF (50.3–55.3 mm SL), Grace Burn, Wallace Parade, Healesville, 37° 39' 12”S 145° 32' 21”E, TAR, 18 June 2002; NMV A.30514-1 (3), 82.2–97.4 mm LCF (72.3–84.7 mm SL), Hoddles Creek, Prices Road, 37° 51' 31”S 145° 37' 35”E, TAR, 21 June 2001; NMV A.30687-1 (5), 54.7–61.5 mm LCF (48.2–54.6 mm SL), Little Yarra River, footbridge on Doon Road, W of Yarra Junction, 37° 46' 32”S 145° 35' 31”E, TAR, 21 June 2002; NMV A.30689-1 (15), 43.4–84.2 mm LCF (38.1–75.3 mm SL), Myers Creek, Myers Creek Road, 37° 36' 20”S 145° 31' 09”E, TAR, 18 June 2001; NMV A.30690-1 (9), 93.7–102.0 mm LCF (91.6–100.4 mm SL), Olinda Creek, Falls Road, Olinda, above Olinda Falls, Mount Dandenong, Dandenong Ranges National Park, 37° 50' 07”S 145° 22' 03”E, TAR, 19 June 2002; NMV A.30694-1 (12), 51.0– 91.8 mm LCF (44.5–80.4 mm SL), Plenty River, west branch, Halls Road, north of Glenvale, 37° 27' 17”S 145° 06' 31”E, TAR, 20 June 2002; NMV A.30685-1 (13), 55.2–69.5 mm LCF (47.8–60.9 mm SL), Running Creek, off Boundary Track, upstream of Mason Falls, Kinglake National Park, 37° 29' 31”S 145° 15' 03”E, TAR, 19 February 2002, NMV A.30691-1 (10), 71.5–96.4 mm LCF (70.5–94.5 mm SL), Scotchman Creek, off Scotchmans Creek Road, Warburton, 37° 45' 29”S 145° 40' 55”E, TAR, 23 July 2001; NMV A.30561-1 (2), 69.9–91.3 mm LCF (61.2–80.8 mm SL), Scotchman Creek, same loc. as NMV A.30691-1, TAR, 19 June 2002; NMV A.30696-1 (7), 70.2–78.9 mm LCF (61.0– 69.2 mm SL), Stringybark Creek, Clegg Road, Wandin, 37° 46' 57”S 145° 24' 34”E, TAR, 20 June 2001; NMV A.30692-1 (10), 56.6–94.5 mm LCF (48.8–82.9 mm SL), Stringybark Creek, end of Channel Road, Silvan, 37° 48' 46”S 145° 24' 47”E, TAR, 20 June 2001; NMV A.30488-1 (4), 43.4–82.6 mm LCF (38.1–73.3 mm SL), Watts River, Road 4, Upper Yarra Closed Catchment, 37° 36' 52”S 145° 37' 34”E, TAR, 27 March 1997; NMV A.30682-1 (9), 55.6–73.9 mm LCF (47.4–65.1 mm SL), Yankee Jim Creek, end of Wylie Street, Warburton, 37° 466' 08”S 145° 38' 58”E, TAR, 19 June 2002; NMV A.30521-1 (2), 75.0– 82.9 mm LCF (66.5–73.4 mm SL), Yarra River, P.D. Jackson, 29 August 1973; NMV A.30487-1 (2), 46.8–83.4 mm LCF (40.4–72.7 mm SL), Yow Yow Creek, off Yow Yow Creek Road, 37° 35' 41”S 145° 17' 34”E, TAR, 18 June 2001; NMV A.30530-1 (15), 66.7–93.4 mm LCF (59.0– 82.7 mm SL), Barringo Creek, off Wooling Road, east of Macedon, 37° 25' 15”S 144° 37' 03”E, TAR, 26 July 2001; NMV A.30519-1 (13), 61.9–84.5 mm LCF (54.6–75.0 mm SL), Bolinda Creek, Mullayes Road, Bolinda, 37° 25' 54”S 144° 44' 09”E, TAR, 26 July 2001; NMV A.30515-1 (3), 66.7–70.6 mm LCF (66.1–69.1 mm SL), Jacksons Creek, Settlement Road, Clarkefield, 37° 29' 24”S 144° 44' 21”E, TAR, 26 July 2001; NMV A.30506-1 (12), 54.8–90.2 mm LCF (53.9–88.9 mm SL), Monument Creek, Frankenburgs Lane, 37° 19' 49”S 144° 39' 49”E, TAR, 26 July 2001; NMV A.30510-1 (2), 62.1–69.8 mm LCF (54.7–61.8 mm SL), Sandy Creek, Black Range Road, Monegeetta North, 37° 23' 34”S 144° 44' 45”E, TAR, 26 July 2001; NMV A.30494-1 (15), 70.3–100.5 mm LCF (62.0–90.0 mm SL), Dale Creek, Darcey Track, near Greendale Hill, 37° 33' 16”S 144° 17' 37”E, TAR, 18 February, 2002; NMV A.30524-1 (17), 70.2–71.9 mm LCF (61.8–63.7 mm SL), Goodman Creek, Seerery Road, west of Coimadai, 37° 36' 25”S 144° 27' 05”E, TAR, 16 November 1994; NMV A.30495-1 (17), 59.7–84.6 mm LCF (61.8–63.7 mm SL), Goodman Creek, No. 1 Firebreak Track, Lerderderg State Park, west of Bullengarook, 37° 31' 47”S 144° 27' 47”E, TAR, 3 June 2002; NMV A.30522-1 (3), 44.0– 73.3mm LCF (38.1–63.9 mm SL), Lerderderg River, Roach Road, Wombat State Forest, 37° 40' 53”S 144° 14' 01”E, TAR, 3 June 2002; NMV A.30508-1 (15), 62.6–83.2 mm LCF (55.2–73.2 mm SL), Werribee River, Ballan/Greendale Road, Ballan, 37° 35' 53”S 144° 13' 50”E, TAR, 18 February 2002; NMV A.30497-1 (15), 62.0– 81.6 mm LCF (53.9–72.6 mm SL), Lal Lal Creek, Old Melbourne Road, south of Bungaree, 37° 34' 48”S 144° 00' 36”E, TAR, 18 February 2002; NMV A.30496-1 (15), 74.4–102.7 mm LCF (66.1–91.3 mm SL), Lynch's Creek, Brickhouse Road, Wombat State Forest, 37° 27' 57”S 144° 06' 49”E, TAR, 18 February, 2002; NMV A.30504-1 (15), 63.5–77.3 mm LCF (56.3–69.2 mm SL), Moorabool River, west branch, Old Melbourne Road, Millbrook, 37° 35' 25”S 144° 03' 23”E, TAR, 18 February 2002; NMV A.30492-1 (8), 43.8–80.9 mm LCF (38.1–71.7 mm SL), Barwon River, east branch, downstream Elizabeth Lake, 38° 33' 08”S 143° 440' 54”E, TAR, 21 January 1988; NMV A.30482-1 (3), 52.0– 69.4 mm LCF (45.1–59.7 mm SL), Callahans Creek, south branch, Goat Track, 38° 30' 34”S 143° 46' 16”E, TAR, 27 April 1999; NMV A.30501-1 (6), 60.5–80.4 mm LCF (53.7–70.4 mm SL), Cargerie Creek, Mount Mercer/Meredith Road, west of Meredith, 37° 50' 43”S 143° 56' 55”E, TAR, 26 July 2002; NMV A.30505-1 (2), 75.3–79.3 mm LCF (66.2–69.7 mm SL), Gong Gong Creek, off Springs Road, 37° 32' 11”S 143° 54' 56”E, TAR, 27 August 2002; NMV A.30493-1 (12); 65.1–90.9 mm LCF (58.1–80.3 mm SL), Winter Creek, Bells Road, SW of Ballarat, 37° 36' 44”S 143° 48' 36”E, TAR, 27 August 2002; NMV A.30507-1 (8), 53.8–76.0 mm LCF (47.2–67.7 mm SL), Woodbourne Creek, Glenetive Road, Bamganie, 37° 54' 60”S 144° 00' 06”E, TAR, 26 July 2002; NMV A.30503-1 (15), 53.7–81.9 mm LCF (47.3–72.7 mm SL), Asplin Creek, Asplin Track, Otway Ranges, 38° 34' 15”S 143° 37' 36”E, W.G. O’Connor, 20 January 1988; NMV A.30490-1 (5), 64.7–74.5 mm LCF (63.8–72.8 mm SL), Chapple Creek, south branch, at swimming pool on Morris Track, Lavers Hill, 38° 40' 35”S 143° 23' 18”E, TAR, 23 July 2002; NMV A.30489-1 (10), 57.3–85.2 mm LCF (50.5–75.6 mm SL), Clearwater Creek, upstream of Redwater Creek, Otway Ranges, 38° 43' 40”S 143° 30' 44”E, W.G. O’Connor, 20 January 1988; NMV A.30595-1 (11), 66.4–85.8 mm LCF (57.7–75.2 mm SL), Clearwater Creek, Robertsons Track, Aire Valley Plantation, Otway Ranges, 38° 41' 46”S 143° 35' 03”E, TAR 22 July 2002; NMV A.30486-1 (3), 57.1–60.1 mm LCF (50.6–52.2 mm SL), Ford River, east branch, Number Nine Ridge Track, Otway State Forest, 38° 42' 44”S 143° 26' 59”E, TAR, 10 February 1999; NMV A.30491-1 (18), 40.9–84.8 mm LCF (35.9–75.5 mm SL), Ford River, same loc. as NMV A.30486-1, TAR, 23 July 2002; NMV A.30498-1 (1), 61.8 mm LCF (55.0 mm SL), Gellibrand River, off Sawyers Track, Otway Ranges, ESE of Gellibrand, 38° 32' 36”S 143° 36' 22”E, TAR, 16 December 2002; NMV A.30485-1 (5), 52.9–57.5 mm LCF (46.3–50.6 mm SL), Lardners Creek, east branch, Jackson Track, 38° 33' 07”S 143° 34' 07”E, W.G. O’Connor, 20 January 1988; NMV A.30484-1 (1), 54.8 mm LCF (47.8 mm SL), Parker River, Sandy Ridge Track, 38° 48' 03”S 143° 33' 18”E, W.G. O’Connor, 19 January 1988; NMV A.30500-1 (2), 72.8–74.3 mm LCF (64.1–65.8 mm SL), Parker River, tributary, Maits Rest, Otway National Park, 38° 35' 19”S 143° 33' 19”E, TAR, 23 July 2002. Murray-Darling Basin: NMV A.30135-1 (16), 63.6–89.0 mm LCF (54.5–78.7 mm SL), Hirts Creek, horse trail, upstream of Wombelano Falls, off Captain Creek Road, north of Kinglake, 37° 28' 43”S 145° 20' 35”E, TAR, 19 February 2002.

Additional non-type material examined (not measured): see Appendix 5.

Diagnosis. Galaxias ornatus is one of the least morphologically specialised species in the Galaxias olidus complex, differing only slightly from the typical ‘ olidus ’ morphology, but can be distinguished from all other species within the G. olidus complex by a combination of the following characters (and careful comparison with the description of the other species): interorbital usually convex, very wide (35.5–53.8 % HL); nostrils of moderate length, not visible from ventral view; dorsal midline usually flattened anteriorly from above pelvic fin bases; caudal peduncle flanges long, almost reaching anal fin base; length of caudal fin about same as that of caudal peduncle; anal fin origin usually under 0.63 distance posteriorly along dorsal fin base; 1–2 moderately long (2.3 % SL) pyloric caecae, very occasionally absent; gill rakers short to moderately long, stout and sharply pointed; and, lack of distinct black bars along lateral line.

Description. As for the genus and members of the Galaxias olidus complex, except as indicated below, based on 172 specimens, 48.2–105.7 mm SL, and 286 additional specimens for meristics. Holotype and paratype were not able to be directly examined, though digital images and X-rays were seen: morphometric measurements were taken from images, some fin ray counts from X-rays, counts for pectoral and pelvic fins from the original description, but a request for counts of gill rakers and rays in paired fins, including examination of pyloric caecae, could not be met by the host institution. See Tables 4 to 9 for frequencies of meristic values and Table 33 for a summary of meristic variation. Segmented dorsal fin rays 10* (9–11), of these 8 (7–9*) branched and 2 (1*–3) unbranched; segmented anal fin rays 11 (9–12; [10*]), of these 9* (7–10) branched and 2 (1*–3) unbranched; caudal fin rays 16* (15–16); segmented pectoral fin rays 14 (13–16; [12*]), of these 12 (11–14; [10*]) branched and 2* (1–2) unbranched; pelvic fin rays 7*, of these 6* branched and one* unbranched; gill raker total count (lower limb and upper limb) 13 (12–14), lower arch with 9 (8–10) and 3 (3–4) on upper, variation on first gill arch 7+2 (1), 7+3 (5), 8+1 (1), 8+2 (2), 8+3 (45), 8+4 (8), 8+5 (1), 9+2 (9), 9+3 (127), 9+4 (117), 9+5 (8), 10+2 (5), 10+3 (45), 10+4 (70), 10+5 (7), 11+3 (4), 11+4 (2); vertebrae 53 (51–54; [52*]); 1–2 pyloric caecae on stomach.

See Table 34 for comparative value ranges of morphometric characters. Body of moderate depth and elongate, slightly laterally compressed and dorsal midline usually flattened anteriorly from above pelvic fin bases, depth through pectoral base 1.1 that through vent, trunk with dorsal and ventral profiles relatively evenly arched from snout to caudal peduncle or ventral slightly less so, belly a little deepened and laterally expanded in maturing individuals, body tapering back to a caudal peduncle of moderate length, 7.5 (6.1–9.2) in SL, and depth, 12.8 (10.4–16.9), the peduncle depth 17– 1.8 in its length; accessory lateral line present. Head of moderate length, 4.7 (4.2–5.2) in SL, and usually slightly shorter than PelAn distance, 0.9 (0.7–1.1) in PelAn, of moderate depth and width, 2.3 (2.0–2.8) and 1.6 (1.4–1.8) in HL respectively, distinctly wider than deep (depth 1.5 in HW), lateral profile weakly wedge-shaped and slightly flattened dorsally, becoming quite fleshy in older individuals; eyes moderate, 5.3 (4.0–7.0) in HL, situated moderately high on head slightly below dorsal head profile, interorbital usually convex, very wide, 2.4 (1.9–2.8 in HL) and 2.2 (2.1–2.5) times ED; cheeks slightly to moderately expanded below eyes, eye profiles usually clearly or partially visible laterally from ventral view, or obscured; post-orbital head length of moderate length, 1.9 (1.7–2.2) in HL; snout of moderate length, 3.4 (2.9–4.2) in HL and 1.5 (1.4–1.7) times ED, lateral profile deep and usually rounded; nostrils moderately long and usually not visible anterio-laterally from ventral view; mouth terminal, of moderate length, 2.7 (2.4–3.1) in HL, posterior extent usually reaching to under anterior 0.4–0.5 of eyes and usually 0.6 ED below ventral margin of eye, most anterior tip of upper lip level with middle of eye, gape moderately wide, 2.5 (1.9–3.5) in HL, usually wider than length of upper jaw and 1.6 (1.4–1.9) in HW. Jaws subequal lower 0.9 of upper jaw length. Pyloric caecae of moderate length, longest usually 2.3 % SL (0.3–5.5 %); gill rakers shortish to moderate length, reasonably stout and sharply pointed, occasionally rounded.

Median fins fleshy at bases, paired fins moderately fleshy, with thickening extending distally over 0.5 of fin area, extending farther between fin rays, dorsal and anal fin bases of moderate length, dorsal base slightly shorter than anal base, fins rounded and of moderate length, anal a little longer than dorsal, middle rays longest, anal fin origin usually under 0.63 (0.35–1.00) distance posteriorly along dorsal fin base. Pelvic fins moderately long, 9.4 (7.9–11.2) in SL, 0.9 of pectoral fin length, usually inserted at about mid-point of standard length and extending about 0.46 distance to anal fin base; pectoral fin of moderate length and usually paddle-shaped, 8.3 (6.8–9.9) in SL, extending about 0.4 distance to pelvic fin base, low on body with dorsal end of fin base level with posterior extent of mouth, lamina of paired fins oriented anterio-ventrally to ventrally, raised lamellae infrequently present on ventral surface of rays, but when present, relatively well developed. Caudal fin of moderate length, 7.5 (6.1–8.8) in SL, emarginate, about same length as caudal peduncle, vertical width of expanded rays about equal to or greater than body depth through pectoral fin base, flanges low and moderately developed along caudal peduncle, long, almost reaching anal fin base, if shorter, then reaching anteriorly past distal margin of adpressed anal fin rays.

Size. Recorded to 110 mm LCF and 12 g; commonly to 55–75 mm LCF.

Colour in life. Body predominantly tan, light brown or brown on back and sides, extending over head and snout, becoming cream ventrally, belly creamy white. Overlain by small to moderate sized, relatively closely spaced, dark brown to grey-brown, irregular shaped blotches, flecks and patches, many coalescing to form irregularly shaped vertical bands; pattern densely distributed over dorsal surface of trunk and on to top and sides of head, extending down sides of trunk usually as bands which reach well below lateral line; blotches and bands usually darkest where they cross lateral line. Mid-dorsal surface of trunk sometimes with a thin row of gold spots extending from nape to dorsal fin base and broad, diffuse band of golden to coppery spots usually extending from near base of pectoral fin onto caudal peduncle, usually mostly below lateral line and quite distinct posteriorly. Gill cover translucent, with a moderately large golden patch; iris golden. Fins usually translucent light grey to yellowish brown, occasionally olive. Gravid females with fine black to dark grey stippling along ventro-lateral surface of trunk between the pectoral fin base and vent. See below for more detailed comments on body pattern.

Occasionally, snout and anterior portion of head including, the nape, noticeably an almost transparent pale lime-green (also found sporadically in Galaxias olidus and Galaxias oliros sp. nov.), though the reason is unknown.

Colour of preserved material. Base colour of head and body pale yellowish brown. Dorsal surface of trunk with distinctive bold pattern of closely spaced, irregular shaped, brown to dark brown blotches (still visible on holotype: Fig. 29a ), sometimes coalescing into an almost completely enveloping brown shading, extending onto the dorsal surface of the head to tip of snout and laterally on head to about level with pectoral fin base. Fine, dark brown stippling usually present on sides and ventral surface of lower jaw, and along posterior fleshy extension of operculum. Dorsal trunk pattern extending onto lateral surface of trunk, posteriorly from pectoral fin base, as more discrete and widely spaced, irregularly shaped, thin to moderately wide, vertical to near-vertical bars or stripes and blotches, some coalescing, reaching ventrally past lateral line to about level with pectoral fin base, extending almost to ventral-lateral margin posteriorly from the pelvic fin base, also extending over entire caudal peduncle area; ventral surface of trunk pale yellowish brown. Bars, stripes and blotches usually distinctive and bold on sides, usually darker than dorsally, often darkest, almost black, on and around lateral line; pattern sometimes light brown or very faded and indistinct, though usually only on a few individuals within a population. Occasionally sparse brown to black spots at base of, and along, gill filaments, also on gill rakers. When present verticle bars usually small, occasionally medium size, often irregular in shape or round/ovoid, centred along lateral midline and more distinct anteriorly.

Eye dark grey to black, pupil translucent pale orange. Teeth translucent yellow to pale orange–yellow, tips orange to orange–red; gill rakers pale yellowish brown. Fins pale creamy yellow, becoming translucent at about two-thirds distance along fin length, fleshy bases of dorsal, anal and pectoral fins with fine brown stippling, also just extending onto base of caudal fin and caudal peduncle flanges. Fin rays opaque to translucent, external edges of rays highlighted with fine brown spots forming thin lines.

Etymology. From the Latin, ornatus , meaning decorated, adorned, most probably in reference to the often bold and ornate colour pattern exhibited in this species.

Genetics. Allozyme and mtDNA analysis of this species can be found in Adams et al. (2014; taxon code BA). Diagnostic allozyme loci (2–10) between this taxon and the other species in the Galaxias olidus complex are provided in Table 12. Three genetically distinct subpopulations were identified, differing from each other by one diagnostic allozyme locus ( Raadik 2011). One subpopulation ranges from the Tarwin River basin in the east to the Maribyrnong River basin, a second from the Werribee River basin to the west of Melbourne extending into the Otway Ranges, and the third, located in the Otway Ranges in the upper Calder River system. Morphological variation between these subpopulations was not investigated.

Distribution. See Figure 31 . Broadly distributed south of the Great Dividing Range in coastal, central Victoria between Wilsons Promontory and Cape Otway at an elevation of between 35–800 m asl, though probably found up to 1000 m asl. Recorded from the upper reaches of the west Tarwin River in South Gippsland and throughout catchments westward from the Tarago River system in the Bunyip River catchment to the Gellibrand River system in the Otway Ranges, excluding the endorheic Corangamite Lakes catchment. Absent from French and Phillip islands in Western Port, including the Lang Lang and Bass river systems draining the eastern shore of Western Port, and the streams on the Mornington Peninsula. Also absent from the Little River system draining the Brisbane Ranges near Geelong, and from the short coastal streams along the Otway Ranges between the Barwon and the Parker river systems ( Koehn and O’Connor 1990). Also appear to be absent from lower elevations in larger river systems (e.g. Yarra, Barwon, Werribee rivers), though historically may have been found much closer to the coast. See also Hortle and Lake (1983) and Closs (1984), which are referrable to Galaxias ornatus .

A small population is also present outside of this distribution, north of the GDR, upstream of a waterfall on a small creek in the upper reaches of the Yea River system Goulburn River basin).

Sympatry. Only species in the Galaxias olidus complex found within its range. Recorded in sympatry with Galaxias brevipinnis , Galaxias maculatus and Galaxias truttaceus , and historically possibly with Galaxiella pusilla and Neochanna cleaveri .

Habitat. Recorded from cool, well-shaded and clear-flowing, small upland creeks and moist gullies along mountain ranges (e.g. Dandenong Ranges, GDR, Otway Ranges), larger, forested foothill streams to larger rivers at lower elevation. Streams occupied usually range in size from 0.5–8.0 m in width (up to 20 m), 0.05–0.30 m average depth, with pools 0.3–> 1.2 m in depth, with a complex instream substrate ranging from clay and sand to bedrock, boulder and cobble. Instream cover is usually relatively plentiful, consisting of rock, large and small timber debris, aquatic vegetation, and vegetation and bank overhang. Also known from drier river systems, including ephemeral tributaries, to the north-west and west of Melbourne (e.g. Plenty, Maribyrnong, and Werribee rivers), where they are able to persist in small and large, isolated and sometimes stagnant pools. Also able to persist in small streams within upland catchments in the north-east of their range (e.g. upper Yarra River system) which are often covered by snow for varying periods of time during winter.

General Biology. Previous studies on Galaxias olidus s.l. spawning biology ( O’Connor and Koehn 1991), diet and feeding ( Fletcher 1979 (in part), Closs 1994), impacts on aquatic invertebrate communities ( Closs 1991, 1996), and interaction with predatory salmonids ( Closs 1991, Closs & Lake 1996), are all referrable to Galaxias ornatus . Confined to freshwater and considered not to undertake diadromous migrations. Usually recorded at densities up to 04–1.5 fish/m 2, though can be very abundant in isolated pools (up to 3.0 fish/m 2). Often the only fish species present in upper reaches, but in lower to mid reaches collected with a diverse range of fish and decapod crustacea, though commonly with Shortfin Eel, Broadfinned Galaxias, River Blackfish , Southern Pygmy Perch, Australian Smelt, Common Freshwater Shrimp, Central Highlands Spiny Cray, Southern Victorian Spiny Cray ( Euastacus yarraensis ) and Common Yabby. Also often found with the alien species Brown Trout.

Spawning period, fecundity and other aspects of biology have been reported by O’Connor and Koehn (1991) from one population and spawning event (early August to late October and up to 384 eggs). Based on material examined from across its range between 1988 and 2002, spawning was found to extend from about June to early August, with adults ripe and close to spawning from about mid-April, and with the body cavity full of fat deposits, and gonads in an early stage of development by August. Consequently, the spawning period may be quite long (June–October), or flexible between years depending on environmental conditions. Fecundity was also found to be slightly higher, with 492 mature oocytes (mean diameter of 1.2 mm) recorded from a 66.1 mm LCF female collected in late July. The smallest fish which could be confidently sexed was a male at 50.9 mm LCF and a female at 51.7 mm LCF, though O’Connor and Koehn (1991) recorded 42 and 47 mm LCF respectively. The smallest fish length per month is confusing with respect to the spawning period and size at age. Fish approaching length at maturity can be present at the end of March (43.4 mm LCF) and most fish by June are> 43 mm LCF, though some fish 30.8–37.0 LCF have also been recorded in June and late August. The smallest fish collected to date (25.0– 28.9 mm LCF) were recorded in February, and fish> 40 mm LCF have been recorded in January–March, June, August and December.

Many populations and individuals found to be heavily infected with small to moderate-sized grey, black or brown cysts, possibly trematode metacercariae, embedded in the skin of the head or trunk, fins and eyes. A small number of fish recorded with a short, thin, white worm, coiled and pointed at both ends, from amongst fat deposits around the stomach in the body cavity, some with white cysts embedded in the liver, and one female from Stringybark Creek (Yarra catchment) recorded with glochidia, a parasitic life-history stage of a native freshwater mussel ( Hyriidae ), attached to the gills (three in the left cavity and one in the right). This has previously been reported from fish from the Bunyip River system ( Atkins 1979). Galaxias ornatus also recorded with deformities, damage or absence of some fins, deformities of the snout (snub-nose) and some with curvature of the spine.

Variation. Has a relatively high amount of variation in morphometric and meristic characters across its range. Consequently close or adjacent or widely separated populations can look superficially quite different or resemble the morphologically similar Galaxias olidus In particular, colour pattern varies considerably, with populations east of Melbourne usually with a distinct and striking pattern, those in the west less so, and some populations just west of Melbourne (e.g. Maribyrnong, and Werribee catchments) quite pale or almost lacking in pattern.

Remarks. Previously considered a junior synonym of Galaxias olidus Günther, 1866 ( McDowall & Frankenberg 1981), with which it is morphological very similar. Fish from some populations are very strikingly and boldly coloured with intense and contrasting patterns (e.g. Hoddles and Stringybark creeks in the Yarra River catchment, and Clearwater Creek in the Otway Ranges). The distribution is centred on catchments which drain to Bass Strait between Cape Otway and Wilson’s Promontory, though it has also been able to colonise farther westward into the Gellibrand, and Aire/Ford/Calder river systems which drain into the Southern Ocean.

Genetically defined population substructure was evident across the range of Galaxias ornatus with three distinct subpopulations identified ( Raadik 2011). One ranges from the Tarwin River basin in the east to the Maribyrnong River basin, a second from the Werribee River basin to the west of Melbourne extending into the Otway Ranges, and the third, located in the Otway Ranges in the upper Calder River system. Morphological variation between these subpopulations was not investigated.

A population was identified outside of the usual range of the taxon, north of the GDR in Hirts Creek. This population persists above a natural waterfall and the species was not found farther downstream where alien Brown Trout are abundant. The origin of this population is unknown, and may represent a remnant, isolated population from a former, more widespread range, a more recent, natural colonisation across the catchment divide, or a very recent anthropogenic translocation (possibly bait-bucket transfer of live bait from recreational angling). Further genetic investigation with highly variable markers could help to elucidate the origin.

Type specimens were not able to be borrowed and therefore could not be directly examined, though counts and measurements were made, where possible, from digital images and X-rays. Pectoral and pelvic total ray count (and number of branched and unbranched rays), including the gill raker count and number and shape of pyloric caecae, remain to be verified or determined. Whitley (1955) gave the length of the holotype as 95 mm SL, though was measured in this study as 89.9 mm SL from a digital image.

Able to persist in the presence of alien trout to some degree, though interactions can be complex ( Closs & Lake 1996), can also be mediated to some degree by increased habitat complexity, and salmonids can still significantly impact on some populations (e.g. Fletcher 1979) leading to localised extinctions.

Figures

FIGURE 29. Galaxias ornatus: A) holotype (MNHN A.5225), a 90 mm TL female, and B) paratype (MNHN A.6915) (Muséum National D'Histoire Naturelle, Paris); C) Badger Creek; usual colour pattern (R. Kuiter); D) Lynches Creek at Brickhouse Road, 18 February, 2002; more stippled colour pattern (N. Armstrong).

FIGURE 31. Distribution of Galaxias ornatus in central coastal Victoria (river basins shown—refer to Fig.1).