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Researchers Document For The First Time Catfish Scaling Waterfalls In The Aquidauana River, Revealing Unique Migration And Reproduction Strategies During The Rainy Season.
In November 2024, police officers from the Environmental Military Police of Mato Grosso do Sul witnessed an unexpected scene in the Aquidauana River.
Thousands of bombus catfish attempted to scale waterfalls up to four meters high.
The episode occurred right at the beginning of the rainy season and surprised even the most experienced observers. The most important aspect was that it was a rare natural phenomenon, documented for the first time in detail.
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A week later, Brazilian scientists arrived on site to closely monitor the fish’s behavior.
They observed that the catfish followed a daily pattern: during the afternoon, they remained hidden under rocks and in shaded pools.
When the sun went down, they began climbing the slippery rocks in an impressive collective movement.
Climbing Techniques Recorded For The First Time
The captured images showed how the catfish used fins and suction to overcome the current.
The study, published in the Journal of Fish Biology, described the spreading of the paired fins combined with lateral movements and the use of the tail.
This technique, according to the researchers, creates a suction-like effect that allows the fish to cling to smooth surfaces.
Additionally, the scientists highlighted that the behavior was recorded in large groups, which is even more uncommon.
The discovery provided new details about the elusive orange-and-black bombus catfish, a little-studied species due to its rarity and preference for fast-flowing rivers.
During the observations, three additional species were also identified attempting the same climb, suggesting that the behavior is not exclusive to a single fish.
Relationship With Spawning And The Rainy Season
The main hypothesis to explain the climbing is the upstream migration for reproduction. The researchers identified both males and females, mostly adults.
The timing coincided with the beginning of the rainy season, when various species of fish begin their spawning journey.
Therefore, the association between the climbing effort and the reproductive cycle seems consistent with other known patterns.
This detail reinforces the value of the discovery for conservation biology.
By better understanding the movements and needs of the species, scientists can suggest measures to preserve their habitat. After all, the survival of these fish directly depends on the integrity of the rivers and their natural routes.
Importance For River Conservation
The study warns that such specific behaviors may be threatened by environmental changes.
Habitat fragmentation and river damming, for example, pose real risks to migratory species. Because without free access to rapids and waterfalls, phenomena like the one recorded in the Aquidauana River may simply disappear.
In addition to the impressive images, the research brought a clear message: protecting river systems is essential to ensure the continuity of rare species.
By documenting this unprecedented movement, researchers emphasize the urgency of keeping rivers free, allowing such extraordinary life cycles to continue occurring.
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