Introduction:
Galaxiids are freshwater fish belonging to the galxiidae family. There are migratory and non-migratory species found in New Zealand. The migratory galaxiid fish that are native to New Zealand, are the Giant kōkopu (Galaxias argenteus), short-jaw kōkopu (Galaxias postvectis) and the banded kōkopu (Galaxias fasciatus) (DOC, 2010). Galaxiids generally breed in Autumn and their breeding and migratory patterns differ depending on the species (DOC, 2010). The adults of kōkopu species stay in freshwater and lay their their eggs on the water edge during floods (DOC, 2010). They then stay there for several weeks until the river level rises due to flooding (DOC, 2010). This submerges the eggs and they are carried out to sea. They stay …show more content…
(McDowall, 2003)
Conclusion:
It is important to conserve New Zealand’s declining and threatened species such as some species of galaxiids. This is better done when their adaptations and interactions with their surrounding environment are known.
1. This essay showed that:
a. kōkopu have physiological adaptations to regulate salinity levels. These adaptations include:
♣ Salt being excreted through gills and high salt concentrated urine after passing through the kidneys in marine environments
♣ In freshwater environments, highly dilute urine is excreted and extra alts are taken up through gills from the surrounding environments.
b. Banded and short-jaw kōkopu have fins specialized to for climbing.
♣ Their fins are large, thick and round with specialised ridges.
¬ These specialised ridges are back facing, close together, strong and pointed at the ends making them good for attaching to surfaces while climbing.
2. The overall conclusion is that the Giant kōkopu (G. argenteus), short-jaw kōkopu (G. postvectis) and the banded kōkopu (G. fasciatus) use physiological adaptations to overcome challenges that their surrounding environment
Galaxiids are freshwater fish belonging to the galxiidae family. There are migratory and non-migratory species found in New Zealand. The migratory galaxiid fish that are native to New Zealand, are the Giant kōkopu (Galaxias argenteus), short-jaw kōkopu (Galaxias postvectis) and the banded kōkopu (Galaxias fasciatus) (DOC, 2010). Galaxiids generally breed in Autumn and their breeding and migratory patterns differ depending on the species (DOC, 2010). The adults of kōkopu species stay in freshwater and lay their their eggs on the water edge during floods (DOC, 2010). They then stay there for several weeks until the river level rises due to flooding (DOC, 2010). This submerges the eggs and they are carried out to sea. They stay …show more content…
(McDowall, 2003)
Conclusion:
It is important to conserve New Zealand’s declining and threatened species such as some species of galaxiids. This is better done when their adaptations and interactions with their surrounding environment are known.
1. This essay showed that:
a. kōkopu have physiological adaptations to regulate salinity levels. These adaptations include:
♣ Salt being excreted through gills and high salt concentrated urine after passing through the kidneys in marine environments
♣ In freshwater environments, highly dilute urine is excreted and extra alts are taken up through gills from the surrounding environments.
b. Banded and short-jaw kōkopu have fins specialized to for climbing.
♣ Their fins are large, thick and round with specialised ridges.
¬ These specialised ridges are back facing, close together, strong and pointed at the ends making them good for attaching to surfaces while climbing.
2. The overall conclusion is that the Giant kōkopu (G. argenteus), short-jaw kōkopu (G. postvectis) and the banded kōkopu (G. fasciatus) use physiological adaptations to overcome challenges that their surrounding environment