Climbing Galaxias
Kōaro are one of New Zealand's native diadromous galaxiid fish — small, slender, and built for fast, clear water. As juveniles they're part of the whitebait run.
Adults hold in cold, shaded headwater streams and mountain lakes across both islands, where they occasionally turn up on light tackle while anglers work small water for trout.
Scientific Name: Galaxias brevipinnis
Also known as Kōaro, koaro, broad-finned galaxias, short-finned galaxias
- Elongated, almost tubular body; scaleless skin in greyish-brown to olive, with bold golden chevron bands or blotches along the back and sides that flash in sunlight.
- A distinctive blue-black blotch sits above the pectoral fin base — one of the cleaner ID marks separating kōaro from other galaxiid species.
- Fins are thick, fleshy, and notably broad — the large, downward-facing pectorals and pelvics give it the grip to climb wet rock faces and waterfalls.
- Typically 16–18 cm; maximum around 29 cm. A fish over 20 cm is a solid specimen in most waters.
What to know
Habitat Distribution
- Native to New Zealand; one of the diadromous whitebait species, meaning juveniles migrate from the sea into freshwater each spring to grow out.
- Adults favour cold, clear, fast-flowing headwater streams — often deeply shaded, forested catchments — and some mountain lakes.
- Their climbing ability lets them push further inland than most other whitebait species, reaching waters well above natural barriers like waterfalls.
- Landlocked populations exist in high-country lakes where sea access has been cut off, including some South Island alpine systems.
Key Locations
- South Island high-country streams and alpine lakes — landlocked populations persist in mountain systems above natural barriers.
- Golden Bay and Nelson region streams — noted as habitat for diadromous galaxiid species including kōaro.
- Forested headwater catchments on both the West Coast and eastern South Island drainages support adult populations where water quality remains high.
Specific Spots
- Look for kōaro tight to the bottom in fast, broken runs — they're a benthic fish that hugs the substrate rather than holding in open water.
- Shaded undercut banks and submerged root systems in small forested streams concentrate fish, especially during daylight hours.
- The margins of waterfalls and steep cascades are worth checking — kōaro use wet rock surfaces to move upstream, so they congregate at these pinch points.
Climbing Galaxias FAQ
Answers from onWater's species guide.
What are the best lures and bait for Climbing Galaxias?
Small spinners and micro hard-bodies in natural colours, olive, brown, gold, that match the invertebrate-heavy diet. Keep lure weight minimal to avoid snagging in the shallow, rocky runs kōaro favour.
What flies work for Climbing Galaxias?
Small nymphs are the go-to: a size 14–16 Pheasant Tail (imitating mayfly nymphs) or Hare's Ear (imitating a range of nymphs and larvae) dead-drifted along the bottom covers the bulk of the diet.
When is the best time to fish for Climbing Galaxias?
Spring (September–November): juvenile whitebait, including kōaro, run upstream from the sea; this is the whitebait season when juveniles are netted at river mouths.
How do you catch Climbing Galaxias?
Kōaro are rarely targeted deliberately, most encounters happen while fishing small streams for trout with light fly or spinning gear. Anglers working tight, forested headwaters on the South Island are most likely to find them, particularly in catchments above waterfalls where trout are absent or scarce.
What do Climbing Galaxias eat?
Kōaro eat aquatic invertebrates, mayfly and caddisfly larvae are the main forage, along with amphipods and other small crustaceans.
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