Clanwilliam redfin facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Clanwilliam redfin |
|
|---|---|
| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Synonyms | |
|
Barbus calidus |
The Clanwilliam redfin (scientific name: Sedercypris calidus) is a special type of ray-finned fish that lives in rivers. It belongs to the family called Cyprinidae, which includes carps and minnows. This fish is unique because it has four sets of chromosomes, unlike most animals that have two. Its closest living relative is another fish called the Twee River redfin.
Contents
Where the Clanwilliam Redfin Lives
The Clanwilliam redfin is found only in the Western Cape Province of South Africa. This means it is endemic to that area. You can find it in the upper parts of the Olifants River and its smaller connecting rivers. These rivers include the Biedou, Boontjies, Boskloof, Breekkrans, Driehoeks, Dwars, Eselbank, Jan Dissels, Matijes, Noordhoeks, Oudste, Ratels, Rondegat, Thee, and Tra Tra Rivers. They are all located near the towns of Clanwilliam and Keerom.
What Kind of Home Does It Like?
This fish likes to live in clear mountain streams. It prefers the deeper pools and shallower areas where the water is a little bit acidic.
What Does the Clanwilliam Redfin Eat?
Clanwilliam redfins are insectivores, which means they mainly eat insects. Their favorite foods include small mayflies, tiny non-biting midges, and ants.
When Do They Have Babies?
The breeding season for the Clanwilliam redfin is quite long, lasting most of the summer. This is usually from November to January. During this time, groups of adult fish gather together. They swim to shallow pools where the water moves slowly. There, they lay their eggs in small cracks and spaces between rocks and boulders.
Why the Clanwilliam Redfin Needs Help
The IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature) considers the Clanwilliam redfin to be Near Threatened. This means it's not in immediate danger of disappearing, but its population is decreasing.
Threats from Other Fish
One of the biggest problems for the Clanwilliam redfin is the smallmouth bass (Micropterus dolomieu). This fish was brought to South Africa from other places. Smallmouth bass eat Clanwilliam redfins, especially the younger ones. In areas where the bass have moved in, the redfin numbers have dropped a lot.
Other fish that cause problems are Bluegills (Lepomis macrochirus) and rainbow trouts (Oncorhynchus mykiss). These are also introduced species that hunt young Clanwilliam redfins. Another introduced fish, the Banded Tilapia (Tilapia sparrmanii), competes with the redfin for food.
Other Dangers to Their Home
Besides other fish, the Clanwilliam redfin is also harmed by water pollution. This happens when chemicals and waste get into the rivers. Another issue is how people use water in an unsustainable way. For example, when land near rivers is turned into citrus plantations, pesticides and fertilizers can wash into the water. This is very bad for the fish.
Protecting the Clanwilliam Redfin
There are efforts being made to protect this special fish.
Safe Places for the Fish
The Clanwilliam redfin lives in protected areas like the Cederberg Wilderness Area and the Matjies River Nature Reserve. In these places, their natural home is safe from being destroyed.
Laws and Public Awareness
The Nature Conservation Ordinance of Western Cape Province lists the Clanwilliam redfin as Endangered. This means it is against the law to kill or catch these fish. To help people learn about the importance of protecting this species, you can see Clanwilliam redfins in public aquaria in Cape Town, Clanwilliam, and Jonkershoek.
