Recently, scientists have confirmed that shellear fish climb a vertical waterfall 15 metres (50 feet) tall in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
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.
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 lesscompetition 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
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