>Emigrating larvae of koaro, galaxias brevipinnis günther (Teleostei: Galaxiidae), from the Otira River, New Zealand

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. © The Royal Society of New Zealand 1995.