Schools of adults form to migrate to riffles with over one meter/yard deep water and spawn in the late hours of morning.

The main threat is the introduced smallmouth bass (Micropterus dolomieu), which has killed off the stocks of the fish in the Berg River watershed by eating juveniles.

In Brandvlei Dam, where the barb's population is most healthy, the African catfish (Clarias gariepinus) is spreading; its impact will need to be assessed.

The common carp (Cyprinus carpio) and Mozambique tilapia (Oreochromis mossambicus), introduced for aquaculture, are competing with the Cape whitefish for food.

In order to prevent further decline, there are conservation actions in place such as managing non-native fish invasions as well as lessening the agricultural impact on aquatic habitat.