Teleostei (teleosts) >
Galaxiiformes (Southern smelts) >
Galaxiidae (Galaxiids) > Aplochitoninae
Etymology: Aplochiton: Greek, aploe, -es = simplicity + Greek, chiton = tunic, long dress (Ref. 45335).
More on author: Jenyns.
Issue
Earlier work included Aplochiton in the family Aplochitonidae. Aplochiton taeniatus is a specialized piscivore with a very large mouth and greatly enlarged teeth (McDowall and Nakaya 1988). Aplochiton marinus is considered a synonym of A. taeniatus. See McDowall (1971a) for a detailed description.
Environment: milieu / climate zone / depth range / distribution range
Ecology
Freshwater; brackish; benthopelagic. Temperate; 39°S - 56°S
South America: On both sides of the Andes, in Chile from Lake Villarrica south and in Argentina from Lake Lacar south; into Tierra del Fuego at the southern tip of South America.
Size / Weight / Age
Maturity: Lm ?  range ? - ? cm
Max length : 33.4 cm SL male/unsexed; (Ref. 35399)
Found mostly in lakes, but recent collections from sites close to the sea suggest amphidromy.
Life cycle and mating behavior
Maturity | Reproduction | Spawning | Eggs | Fecundity | Larvae
McDowall, R.M. and K. Nakaya, 1987. Identity of the galaxoid fishes of the genus Aplochiton Jenyns from southern Chile. Jap. J. Ichthyol. 34(3):377-383. (Ref. 9005)
IUCN Red List Status (Ref. 130435: Version 2025-2)
Threat to humans
Harmless
Human uses
Fisheries: of no interest
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