Redfin bully

can climb waterfalls

© Stella McQueen, licensed under (CC BY-SA 4.0)

© Stella McQueen, licensed under (CC BY-SA 4.0)

Where you can find them:

In streams and the ocean from Rakiura (Stewart Island) to Rēkohu (Chatham Islands). 

What they look like:

Male redfin bullies are the most colourful freshwater fish in New Zealand, with bright red markings on their fins, body and cheeks. Females look similar but are brown. This attractive fish can grow up to 12cm long.

Did you know:

The redfin bully can climb waterfalls up to 5m high. Like common bullies, redfin bully fathers guard their eggs fiercely. They’ll go without food for long periods to protect them before they hatch and make their way to the sea.