in slow moving areas of water would feed at mid-water in a similar fashion to introduced trout species. His study of the stomach composition of Galaxias vulgaris showed high abundances of Trichoptera (caddisfly) larvae, Corydalinae (dobsonfly) larvae, Deleatidium sp. (mayfly) larvae, aquatic Diptera, Elimidae (midges) adults and larvae, and terrestrial insects. Predators, parasites, and diseases The key predator of Galaxias vulgaris are the salmonids Oncorhynchus mykiss (rainbow trout) and Salmo trutta (brown trout). Woodford and McIntosh found that populations of Galaxis vulgaris were heavily impacted by trout populations. Conversely, populations which were free from trout predation (usually due to geographic isolation) were at a higher altitude and were more stable than those in the presence of trout. Predation from trout occurs on Galaxias vulgaris at all stages of their lifecycles so there is no predation safe size threshold, however juveniles are particularly susceptible to predation from trout of all sizes. Cultural uses There is no cultural use of Galaxias vulgaris. Protection and conservation In 2014 the New Zealand Department of Conservation classified G. vulgaris as "At Risk: Declining" with the qualifier "A(2/1) - Total area of occupancy ≤ 1000 ha (10 km2), predicted decline 10–30%". Also in 2014 the IUCN rated the SPECIES as "Least Concern", noting that rates of decline are slow. The ranges where the Galaxias vulgaris inhabit are with in New Zealand's Department of Conservation managed areas which means that these areas are protected, though there is still a large threat from the invasive salmonids. Habitat loss due to increasing irrigation from agricultural land use change is a threat to Galaxias vulgaris. The International Union for Conservation of Nature notes that there is an increased risk of habitat loss post tenure review in the high country. Much of the land which became freehold incorporates the habitat of Galaxias vulgaris and now has the potential to be altered for farming purposes, endangering the habitat of Galaxias vulgaris. Galaxias vulgaris is however classified as Not Threatened. References Further reading NIWA June 2006 Department of Conservation. (2015) Science for Conservation common river galaxias Endemic freshwater fish of New Zealand Fish of the South Island Taxa named by Gerald Stokell common river galaxias