The single dorsal and anal fins are about two thirds of the way along the body.

Like all galaxiids it lacks scales and has a thick, leathery skin covered with mucus.

The dwarf galaxias has six pelvic fin rays, which distinguishes it from most other galaxiids which have only five.

They live on a variety of aquatic insects, especially mayflies and midges.

They are non-diadromous and therefore do not have a marine phase and are not part of the whitebait catch.