Story: Freshwater fish

Īnanga life cycle (1st of 2)

Īnanga life cycle

The īnanga is one of five galaxiid species whose juveniles are commonly known as whitebait. Of the five, only the īnanga’s life cycle is well understood.

Adults move downstream in autumn and the females lay eggs among submerged vegetation at estuaries on a spring tide. When the tide recedes the eggs are exposed to the humid air until the next spring tide (two to four weeks later), when they hatch.

The larvae go to sea and feed for around five months, returning in spring to fresh water as whitebait. They find suitable habitats upstream. They remain there as adults, and then return to the estuaries to spawn.

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Artwork by Bruce Mahalski

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How to cite this page:

Bob McDowall, 'Freshwater fish - Evolution and characteristics', Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/diagram/11103/inanga-life-cycle (accessed 29 March 2024)

Story by Bob McDowall, published 24 Sep 2007