 Uniquely amongst the Galaxiidae, there does not appear to be a purely freshwater stage in the lifecycle of this species.Mature adult Australian whitebait enter estuaries and migrate upstream to just below the upstream tidal limit, where spawning occurs 
over successive days from August to December.At approximately one year of age, after spawning, virtually all individuals die, with less than 1% reaching two years of age and surviving to spawn for a second time.