[3] They are a speckled brown/grey/olive to match the gravel substrate in which they live and have highly variable black banding or blotching along their back.

[3] This pigmentation is so effective as a camouflage, that it allows them to move out from the sanctuary under the rocks and spend time in the more open river in relative safety.

[4] Galaxias vulgaris are found in rivers and streams throughout the Canterbury Region in the South Island (with the exception of Banks Peninsula and in eastern Otago.

[6] Preferred habitat of Galaxias vulgaris is fast flowing sections of stream which are well aerated and with open tussock grassland.

[3] Jones states that Galaxis vulgaris lay comparatively small eggs and have a higher fecundity (reproductive rate), than other non-migratory freshwater fish species.

The presence of predatory species, combine with late maturation and high juvenile mortality currently mitigates their ability increase their populations.

The larvae (7–8 mm) hatch from the eggs after 3–4 weeks and form shoals in the slow flowing stream margins.

[4] Their food consists of small stream invertebrates such as stoneflies and mayflies and while feeding during drift, preferring larger prey.

[4] Cadwallader found that individuals in slow moving areas of water would feed at mid-water in a similar fashion to introduced trout species.

Habitat loss due to increasing irrigation from agricultural land use change is a threat to Galaxias vulgaris.

[3] The International Union for Conservation of Nature notes that there is an increased risk of habitat loss post tenure review in the high country.