Appearance and lifestyle:
The Berg–Breede River whitefish (Cheilobarbus capensis), also known as the whitefish or the Clanwilliam whitefish, is a long, freshwater fish with a silver to olive-brown colouration. In summer, adults gather at the base of rapids to spawn. Eggs are laid in gravel beds in the middle reaches of the river.
Habitat:
This species is found only in the Berg and Breede rivers. It lives in deep, rocky pools and uses gravel beds in the river’s middle reaches as spawning sites.
Diet:
They feed mainly on algae and invertebrates.
Threats:
Major threats include habitat destruction and alien fish such as bass, which eat their eggs and young.
Grows to 60cm in length and can weigh up to 3,4kg.
One of the largest freshwater fish endemic to South Africa.
Alien fish, such as bass, prey on their eggs and young