A small freshwater fish living quietly in the streams of South Africa’s southernmost tip has finally received a name.
Heuningnes River/Winfried Bruenken/Wikimedia Commons
According to GoodThingsGuy, scientists have formally described and named the Agulhas redfin (Pseudobarbus agulhas), a freshwater fish found exclusively in the Heuningnes River system. This network of waterways includes the Nuwejaars River and its tributaries around Bredasdorp, Elim and Agulhas. The new classification comes after years of genetic and ecological research confirming that the Heuningnes redfin is a distinct species.
The Agulhas redfin is easily recognised by the bright scarlet colouring at the base of its fins and the two small barbels that give it a distinctive face. It is the only redfin species found in the Agulhas region, making it an important part of the area’s biodiversity story.
Endangered and under threat
Due to its extremely limited range, the Agulhas redfin is listed as endangered. It faces a growing number of challenges from invasive fish species such as bass and bluegill, which prey on or compete with it for food and breeding sites. Habitat changes caused by agriculture and water use have also added pressure to the fragile ecosystem that supports the species.
Conservation efforts underway
The Nuwejaars River Nature Reserve (NRNR) has taken the lead in protecting the redfin. Working with CapeNature and with funding from the Mohamed bin Zayed Species Conservation Fund, the NRNR has relocated a number of redfins to two protected fish sanctuaries within the Nuwejaars Wetlands Special Management Area. These safe spaces are designed to encourage breeding and stabilise the population in the long term.
Erica Brink, Conservation Manager for the NRNR, says protecting the fish will be a long but worthwhile effort. “It will take many years, considerable resources and strong partnerships to protect our freshwater fish species. But we’re in this for the long haul. Redfins are a flagship species for the Nuwejaars Wetlands – and it’s our responsibility to ensure their survival.”
Protecting South Africa’s freshwater heritage
Freshwater fish are among the country’s most threatened wildlife groups, second only to sharks. Conservation specialists estimate that around R168 million will be needed over the next five years to secure the future of 30 of South Africa’s most vulnerable freshwater species.
The formal naming of the Agulhas redfin is a step in recognising and protecting the country’s unique aquatic life. For the conservation teams working in the Nuwejaars Wetlands, it also marks the beginning of a renewed commitment to the rivers and species that make the Agulhas region one of South Africa’s most ecologically rich corners.
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