For 50 years, there have been rumours of these fish climbing waterfalls. Scientists just filmed them doing it for the first time
BBC Wildlife Magazine • • world
Key Points:
- Researchers have for the first time filmed the shellear fish (Parakneria thysi) climbing waterfalls, a behavior known anecdotally for over 50 years, with evidence published in Scientific Reports.
- The tiny fish, measuring under five centimeters, use their pectoral and pelvic fins with hook-like projections to grip and wiggle up vertical waterfall walls, taking about 10 hours to climb 15 meters.
- During their ascent at the Luvilombo Falls in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, shellears take frequent rests on horizontal ledges, indicating the climb requires significant energy.
- The fish likely climb waterfalls to return upstream after floods, avoid predators, or reduce food competition, despite the risks of falling due to water jets or overhangs.
- Human activities such as illegal fishing and water diversion threaten the Luvilombo River ecosystem, prompting scientists to call for protection of the falls as a natural monument or ecosystem of national interest.
