A little fish has swum onto conservation’s radar in the Heuningnes River system.
Agulhas, South Africa (15 October 2025) – A little freshwater fish has been swimming along in the rivers near the southern tip of Africa without being named or officially described for yonks. Experts knew it was rather unique, but it remained informally called the Heuningnes redfin.
After much research and debate, this small but special fish has finally been given its name, the Pseudobarbus agulhas, or the Agulhas redfin.
Scientists at the NRF-South African Institute for Aquatic Biodiversity officially described the species in a recent paper authored by Dr Fatah Zarei, Dr Melissa Martin, Prof Paul Skelton and Prof Albert Chakona.
It lives in the Heuningnes River system, including the Nuwejaars River and its many tributaries around Bredasdorp, Elim and Agulhas. It’s the only redfin in this region. Its striking scarlet fin bases and the double barbels on its face set it apart from other redfins we know.
As the distribution of the species is so limited, it is also endangered. Experts say it faces serious threats from invasive alien fish, including bass and bluegill, which compete with or prey on them.
Thankfully, conservationists are already working on protecting this little fish.
The Nuwejaars River Nature Reserve (NRNR) is the non-profit company that works to conserve the Nuwejaars Wetlands Special Management Area (NWSMA). It’s a 47,000-hectare conservation area between Bredasdorp and Elim. It’s home to one of the biggest wetland systems in South Africa and to unique and threatened wildlife and fynbos habitat.
The Agulhas redfin is one of the many species of conservation concern that are found there and that the NRNR now works to protect.
With backing from the Mohamed bin Zayed Species Conservation Fund and the necessary CapeNature permits, redfin individuals have been relocated from various sites to two fish sanctuaries in the NWSMA. There, they will swim free from threats and are expected to breed into a healthier range.
Conservation of Freshwater fish in SA is tough. They are the second most threatened group of animals in South Africa after sharks, and protecting them comes with a price. Experts estimate R168 million will be needed over the next five years to safeguard 30 of the country’s most at-risk fish.
NRNR Conservation Manager Erica Brink says: “It will take many years, considerable resources and strong partnerships to protect our freshwater fish species. But we’re in this for the long haul. Redfins are a flagship species for the Nuwejaars Wetlands – and it’s our responsibility to ensure their survival.”
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