Shellear fish

Shellear fish Latest News

Recently, scientists have confirmed that shellear fish climb vertical waterfall 15 metres (50 feet) tall in the Democratic Republic of Congo in a behaviour ​that illustrates the surprising and ingenious ways animals can adapt to extreme environments.

About Shellear fish

• Shellear fish, whose scientific ‌name is Parakneria thysi.
• It is found in the upper Congo Basin, (Particularly Luvilombo Falls on the Luvilombo River)
• Habitat: It is a benthopelagic; freshwater species.
• Size: These fish are tiny 37–48 mm-long that can grow up to a size of around 96 mm.
• It scales the Luvilombo Falls in the upper Congo Basin.
• Shellear’s climbing abilities are made possible by tiny, hook-like projections on specialized pads on their pectoral and pelvic fins, along with hypertrophied muscles that enable them to carry their weight.
• Why do they do it?

• • The researchers said the fish may climb upstream to find suitable living conditions and areas of the waterway with less competition and fewer predators.
• The researchers identified two major human threats to the species:
  • Illegal fishing using fine-mesh mosquito nets that can easily catch the fish,
  • Water extraction for irrigation which has in some years depleted the Luvilombo River

Source: Reuters

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