A consideration of the whitebait stage of Galaxias maculatus attenuatus (Jenyns)

Abstract

The size composition of a season's catch of Galaxias maculatus attenuatus (Jenyns) whitebait is given. An analysis of consecutive catches shows that there is no overall increase in the size of the whitebait caught. This supports the theory that these fish have reached a physiological stage at which they migrate up accessible freshwater streams. The subsequent changes are so great that they warrant the term metamorphosis. The whitebait stages of other species of Galaxias are briefly compared.