Some ecological aspects of the spawning behaviour and early development of the common whitebait, Galaxias maculatus attenuatus (Jenyns)

A spawning locality for Galaxias maculatus attelluatus (Jenyns) is described. Details are given of spawning movements and dates for 1959-62 and 1967. The complex relationship which must exist for a freshwater fish (albeit with a marine larval phase) to move downstream only at such times that it will reach estuarine areas at spring tides is examined.
Spawning habits and the conditions under which the eggs develop and the rate of development at different temperatures are described. An attempt is made to coordinate three studies of the spawning behaviour of this species.