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Story: Freshwater fish

Redfin bullies climbing

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Many native fish species are able to climb. Watch redfin bullies climbing the wet margin of an inclined drain. In research experiments, these fish could swim up ramps with 15-degree slopes, and climb slopes of 30 and 45 degrees. They used a breast-stroke movement with their large pectoral fins, which gripped the surface.

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NIWA – National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research

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How to cite this page

Bob McDowall, Freshwater fish – Evolution and characteristics, Te Ara – the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, https://teara.govt.nz/en/video/11106/redfin-bullies-climbing (accessed 4 June 2026).

Story by Bob McDowall, published 1 March 2009.