Feeding of Galaxias olidus (Guenther) (Pisces: Galaxiidae) in an intermittent Australian stream

Abstract

Patterns of feeding in the mountain galaxiid (Galaxias olidus) were examined at dawn and dusk during low flow in April and high flow in September in an intermittent stream. During April (low flow), feeding rates were relatively low and aperiodic, whereas in September (high flow), the fish were clearly feeding diurnally at a relatively high rate. These results suggest that feeding in G. olidus in intermittent streams may vary on a daily and seasonal basis, possibly as a consequence of changes in light availability and stream flow. Light determines the ability of fish to find their prey, and seasonal changes in flow may determine the availability of prey (i.e. drifting invertebrates). This pattern suggests that the predatory impact of drift-feeding fish, such as G. olidus, is likely to be considerably less during low-flow periods when drifting invertebrates are not available than during high-flow periods when such prey may be abundant.