Appearance and lifestyle:
The breede river redfin fish (Pseudobarbus burchelli) is a small slender freshwater fish that has a reddish tint, and adults can grow up to between 8-12cm. They are thought to be relics of an ancient lineage of fish, which survived climate and other changes by retreating into cold mountain streams. Large alien fish such as bass like to eat these small fish.
Habitat:
Lives only in the streams of the Cape Fold mountains and they prefer cool fast-flowing mountain streams.
Diet:
They are omnivorous and the eat small aquatic invertebrates.
Threats:
Most minnow species are threatened; the redfin is listed as critically endangered.
Endemic to South African waters.
During breeding season to attract females the males develop bright red fins.
They enjoy rocky fast-flowing streams.