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How to catch Inanga

Galaxias maculatus (Jenyns, 1842)

About Inanga fishing

The inanga is a small migratory fish belonging to the family Galaxiidae, characterised by an elongated and slender body featuring a mottled olive-brown pattern and silvery reflections along the flanks. Fully grown specimens typically measure around ten centimetres in length, with a recorded maximum reaching nineteen centimetres and a very light body mass. This species inhabits freshwater streams, slow-flowing rivers, and coastal lakes, frequently forming small schools near shallow margins and vegetation. It feeds primarily on aquatic and terrestrial insects and small crustaceans. Inanga exhibit a catadromous life cycle, undertaking downstream migrations in autumn to spawn on tidal riverbanks amongst fringing vegetation during high spring tides, after which the marine larvae spend months at sea before returning to fresh water.

  • Difficulty

    Medium

  • Average size

    10 cm TL

  • Habitat

    Freshwater, Brackish, Saltwater

  • Season

    Spring, Autumn, Winter

  • Also known as

    Common galaxias, Common jollytail, Cowfish, Eel gudgeon, Jollytail, Lananga

Inanga

Flank spots and bands

Distinct dark spots and vertical bars along the flanks identify this galaxiid species.

Posterior fins position

Dorsal and anal fins are set far back on the body near the tail.

Inanga fishing facts

Characteristics

  • Typical size

    10 cm TL (max 19 cm SL )

  • Typical weight

    0.2 kg (max 0.1 kg )

  • Depth

    0–20 m

  • Body shape

    Elongated

  • Vulnerability score

    32.1

Best hours

  • Dawn

    First light

    Active

  • Morning

    After sunrise

    Peak

  • Midday

    High sun

    Low

  • Afternoon

    Late day

    Active

  • Dusk

    Last light

    Peak

  • Night

    After dark

    Low

When to fish for Inanga

01
January
02
February
03
March
04
April
05
May
06
June
07
July
08
August
09
September
10 Now
October
11
November
12
December

How to catch Inanga

Tips for catching Inanga

Anglers targeting small native galaxiids in slow-flowing streams and river margins find success by employing light tackle that matches the delicate nature of these schooling fish. Fine float fishing using tiny hooks baited with small aquatic invertebrates or pieces of worms works effectively around weed beds and shaded undercut banks. Alternatively, ultra-light fly fishing with small wet flies or nymphs drifted naturally through slow runs yields consistent catches during the warmer months when surface and drift feeding increases. Presentation should remain subtle and precise to avoid spooking fish holding in clear, shallow waters near cover.

Other names for Inanga

Local and alternate names anglers use for Inanga.

  • Slippery tarki
  • Spotted minnow
  • Native trout
  • Pulangi
  • Lananga
  • Minnow
  • Jollytail
  • Common galaxias
  • Inanga
  • Eel gudgeon
  • Cowfish
  • Common jollytail
  • Whitebait

Best equipment to catch Inanga

Compare fishing methods for Inanga — sized kit for each technique.

Note: Typical fish is 0.2 kg Our algorithm will suggest the best equipment for you based on this weight.

Best lures and baits for Inanga

Ranked lures and natural baits from every method, best first.

How Inanga migrates — Catadromous

Grows in fresh or brackish water and migrates to the sea to spawn. Estuaries and lower rivers fire when adults drop downstream.

How Inanga migrates — Catadromous 1. Eggs: Spawned out at sea. 2. Larvae: Drift with the currents towards the coast. 3. Juveniles: Enter estuaries, and many move on into fresh water. 4. Adults: Feed and grow in rivers, lakes and estuaries, often for years. 5. Spawners: Head downstream and out to sea to spawn.
Fresh water Estuary Sea

1 Eggs

Sea

Spawned out at sea.

2 Larvae

→ Estuary

Drift with the currents towards the coast.

3 Juveniles

→ Fresh water

Enter estuaries, and many move on into fresh water.

4 Adults

Fresh water

Feed and grow in rivers, lakes and estuaries, often for years.

5 Spawners

→ Sea

Head downstream and out to sea to spawn.

Many only reach estuaries and the lower river; eels travel far inland.

Hover or tap a number to read each stage.

Diet and behavior of Inanga

  • Diet

    Carnivore

  • Hunts

    Morning · Dusk

  • Used as bait

    Yes

Prey and predators of Inanga

Prey is what Inanga eats. Predators are the animals that eat it.

That is how it feeds, and how it is hunted.

Predators

What hunts it

Fish

  • Anguilla australis australis juv./adults

Where Inanga lives

Lives near the bottom but swims in the water just above it. Cover the lower column, not only the mud.

Habitats
Freshwater, Brackish, Saltwater
Depth zone
Sublittoral
Continental shelf · 0–20 m
Water column
Benthopelagic
Just above the bed

Where this species lives