Red-finned blue-eye facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Red-finned blue-eye |
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The red-finned blue-eye (Scaturiginichthys vermeilipinnis) is a tiny, critically endangered fish. It belongs to the Pseudomugilidae family and is the only species in its group, called a genus. Scientists first discovered this fish in 1990.
This special fish lives only in central Queensland, Australia. It can be found in natural springs located within the Edgbaston Reserve. This reserve is a protected area managed by Bush Heritage Australia.
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About the Red-Finned Blue-Eye
This small fish can grow up to about 3 centimeters (1.2 inches) long. Only the male red-finned blue-eyes have bright red fins, which makes them easy to spot!
Where They Live
Red-finned blue-eyes live in shallow, slightly salty water. This water is found in the springs of Edgbaston Reserve. The water temperature in these springs can change a lot. It can be almost freezing in winter and reach up to 40 degrees Celsius (104 degrees Fahrenheit) in summer.
Why They Are Endangered
The red-finned blue-eye is listed as Critically Endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). This means it is at a very high risk of disappearing forever. In 2012, it was even put on a list of the 100 most endangered species on Earth.
This fish used to live in seven different springs in the Edgbaston Reserve. But by 2012, it was only found in three of them. By 2021, it survived in just one spring.
Main Threats to Survival
The red-finned blue-eye faces several big dangers:
- Introduced fish: A fish called the eastern mosquitofish (Gambusia holbrooki) was brought to Australia. It is an invasive species that competes with the red-finned blue-eye for food and even eats young red-finned blue-eyes.
- Water loss: Taking too much water from the springs for other uses reduces the fish's habitat.
- Habitat changes: Changes to the spring environment can make it harder for the fish to survive.
Helping the Red-Finned Blue-Eye
Scientists and conservation groups are working hard to save this unique fish. They have started a special program to protect it.
In February 2021, a big step was taken. Fish that were raised safely in captivity were released back into their natural spring. This helped boost the wild population from about 200 fish to around 3,000!
Many other rare animals also live in the same springs at Edgbaston Reserve. These include the Edgbaston goby (Chlamydogobius squamigenus), 11 types of snails, a small crustacean, a flatworm, a spider, and a dragonfly. They are all threatened and need protection too.
Role in the Ecosystem
Scientists think the red-finned blue-eye might play an important role in its habitat. It's possible that this fish eats the seeds of an endangered plant called eriocaulon (also known as pipewort). This could be part of the plant's life cycle. Also, up to 11 types of snails that live only in these springs might depend on this plant for food.
We don't know for sure if the red-finned blue-eye helps the spring ecosystem in this way. But losing this fish could be a big risk. It might be a key part of keeping the spring healthy and balanced.
