• Korean Journal of Environment and Ecology
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• v.34 no.5
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• pp.402-412
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• 2020

This study aims to examine the population characteristics of the fish and the bluegill (Lepomis macrochirus), designated as ecologically disturbing fish, living in four water dams in the Ulsan area and to provide basic data. The survey of fish living in 4 water dams and surrounding tributaries in the Ulsan area from 2016 to 2017 found a total of 1,987 individuals of 28 species of 9 families and identified 6 Korea's endemic species is (21.4% indigenous rate), 4 exotic species, and 2 ecosystem disturbing species. Based on the number of fishes identified, the dominant species was Lepomis macrochirus, and the subdominant species was Hemiculter eigenmanni. The investigation of the age structure of the L. macrochirus found in the 4 water dams in the Ulsan area showed a large population of 1 to 2 old, and the population was growing fast. Moreover, the analysis of the total length-weight relationship and obesity of the L. macrochirus population showed that the regression coefficient b of the total length-weight relationship was greater than 3.0, and the habitat of the L. macrochirus population was in good condition. Obesity had a positive slope, and the growth state was relatively good. The result of this study can be used as useful data to predict the trend of the L. macrochirus fauna inhabiting in 4 water dams in the Ulsan area.

• Korean Journal of Ecology and Environment
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• v.40 no.2
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• pp.327-336
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• 2007

This study assessed ecological health using a multi-metric fish model from 15 sites in the headwater watershed of southern Han River during June${\sim}$August 1999 and then compared the health with conventional community diversity index to figure out differences between health and diversity index. For the analysis, we adopted 10 metric IBI model for regional applications. During this survey, total number of species sampled were 24 (6 families) and varied depending on magnitude of ecological disturbance and stream order. In the mountainous streams, mean proportion of sensitive and insectivore species was composed of 91% and 56%, respectively, indicating a potential healthy conditions. However, tolerant species with 66% and omnivore species with 76% were sampled from the 2nd order stream, which was shown deterioration in the physical habitat quality. In the overall watershed, mean IBI value was 38, judging as "fair" condition by the health criteria. Values of Individual IBI were closely associated with stream order and this pattern was similar to other mountainous streams showing low chemical pollutions and disturbance. Our comparison between IBI and diversity index over the stream order showed a distinct difference; Shannon-Weaver diversity index overestimated the actual community conditions and the variation range in the 2nd order stream was greater in the diversity index. Overall data suggest that the multi-metric approach may to a useful tool for stream ecosystem management and the conventional diversity index may not effective unless the stream order is considered for the stream evaluation.

• Korean Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences
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• v.17 no.6
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• pp.549-556
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• 1984

Forty-eight fish species belonging to 38 genera and 10 families were collected along the Dongjin River from July 1982 to May 1984. The dominant species of them were Rhinogobius brunneus and Zacco platypus in the main stream and Abbottina springeri, Hemiculter eigenmanni and Moroco oxycephalus in the tributaries respectively. It was remarkable point in the distributional study of freshwater-fishes of Korea that both species of Pelteobagrus nitidus and Lefua costata were observed in the present studied areas for the first time. It was found that 6 species of Hypomesus olidus, Hemiculter eigenmanni, Pseudobagrus sp., Liobagrus mediadiposalis, Cobitis taenia striata, and Lepomis macrochirus inhabiting the seomjin River were unstably incorporated into the fish communities at the upper reaches of the Dongjin River which the Seomjin River flow down for the water power generation. It is suggested that the integradation between two subspecies of C. taenia occurs at the intermediate water areas in the mainstream of the Dongjin River, whereas C. t. striate is remained only at the upper reaches and C. t. lutheri is lived in the lower parts of the river. Population of C. koreensis found in the mainstream was exhibited considerable differences in the color patterns on the body sides of them in comparison with other populations, which was discussed in relation to the habitat variations adapted to the confluent condition of joining the Seomjin stream with the Dongjin River.

• Korean Journal of Environment and Ecology
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• v.28 no.4
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• pp.424-431
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• 2014

Analysis of the fish community in Yeongwol Hanbando wetland in Korea was investigated from April to October 2012. During the survey period, total 33 species belonged to 10 families and 7,107 individuals. There were 18 Korean endemic species (52.94 %), including to Acheilognathus signifer. Also, the dominant species were Zacco koreanus at St. 1, 2, 3 & 5, as well Acheilognathus signifer at St. 6, and Pseudopungtungia tenuicorpus at St. 7, respectively, and these species were inhabited in the midstream. But at St. 4, Carassius auratus was dominance, so there appeared to characteristics of downstream or lentic habitat. Also, according to the similarity analysis on fish species and their individuals in each sites, they were divided into three major groups (A,B and C). Among them, group C (St. 4) showed the special inverse characteristics as a stagnant pond. unlike the river branch (group A) and anthropogenic disturbances receiving stream point (group B), Therefore, the ecosystem of Yeongwol Hanbando wetland is considered to very unique and these characteristics are not found in other stream ecosystems and it is confidently believed that the ecological value is very high.

• Korean Journal of Environmental Biology
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• v.39 no.1
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• pp.68-80
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• 2021

This study aimed to present the current status of exotic fish species, invasive species, and dominant species inhabiting the Cheonggyecheon stream. We conducted three samplings from April to October 2019. A total of 2,045 individuals from 27 species belonging to nine fish families were collected. There were five Korean endemic species (18.5%) including Coreoleuciscus splendidus, Sarcocheilichthys nigripinnis morii, Squalidus gracilis majimae, Zacco koreanus, and Odontobutis interrupta in the Cheonggyecheon stream. The dominant species was Zacco platypus (62.4%) and the subdominant species was Z. koreanus (9.8%). The length-weight analysis of the dominant species Z. platypus population showed a regression coefficient b of 3.3434 and a condition factor(k) of 0.0026, with a positive slope. The growth state of the Z. platypus population was identified as being in a very favorable condition. The Cheonggyecheon stream is considered to be an appropriate habitat for the Z. platypus population. Since the restoration, The Cheonggyecheon stream has had continuous problems due to the introduction of exotic species and invasive species and in this study, exotic species, Gyrinocheilus aymonier var.(gold type), and invasive species, Coreoleuciscus splendidus, which have not previously been reported in the Cheonggyecheon stream, appeared. Therefore, it is deemed necessary to prepare continuous publicity and management measures to prevent exotic species and invasive species from inhabiting the Cheonggyecheon stream.

• Korean Journal of Ecology and Environment
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• v.55 no.4
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• pp.352-359
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• 2022

Recently, with the development of genetic technology, interest in environmental DNA (eDNA) to study biodiversity according to molecular biological approaches is increasing. Environmental DNA has many advantages over traditional research methods for biological communities distributed in the environment but highly depends on the established base sequence database. This study conducted a comprehensive analysis of the habitat status and classification at the genus level, which is mainly used in eDNA (12S rRNA, 16S rRNA, 18S rRNA, COI, and CYTB), focusing on Korean registration taxon groups (phytoplankton, zooplankton, macroinvertebrates, and fish). As a result, phytoplankton and zooplankton showed the highest taxa proportion in 18S rRNA, and macroinvertebrates observed the highest ratio in the nucleotide sequence database in COI. In fish, all genes except 18S rRNA showed a high taxon ratio. Based on the Korean registration taxon group, the gene construction of the top 20 genera according to bio density observed that most of the phytoplankton were registered in 18S rRNA, and the most significant number of COI nucleotide sequences were established in macroinvertebrates. In addition, it was confirmed that there is a nucleotide sequence for the top 20 genera in 12S rRNA, 16S rRNA, and CYTB in fish. These results provided comprehensive information on the genes suitable for eDNA research for each taxon group.

• Korean Journal of Ecology and Environment
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• v.56 no.4
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• pp.406-413
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• 2023

Captive breeding and reintroduction are crucial strategies for conserving endangered species populations. However, fish raised in predator-free environments, show a lack of recognition of predationrelated stimuli such as chemical and visual signals. It is critical to recognize chemical signals from injured conspecifics, also known as alarm signals, and the order or shape of predators to indicate the spread of predation risk in the habitat. We conducted a laboratory experiment to determine and adjust the optimal exposure period to induce appropriate anti-predator behavior response to different types of stimuli (Chemical, Visual and Chemical+Visual) for the endangered species Microphysogobio rapidus. Our results demonstrate that predator avoidance behavior varies depending on the types of stimuli and the duration of predation risk exposure. First, the results showed captive-breed M. rapidus show lack of response against conspecific alarm signal (Chemical cue) before the predation risk exposure period and tend to increase response over predation risk exposure time. Second, response to predator (visual cue) tend to peak at 48 hours cumulative exposure, but show dramatic decrease after 72 hours cumulative exposure. Finally, response to the mixed cue (Chemical+visual) tend to peak prior to the predation risk exposure period and show reduced response during subsequent exposure periods. This experiment confirms the lack of responsiveness to conspecific alarm signals in captive-bred M. rapidus and the need for an optimal nature behavior enhancement program prior to release of endangered species. Furthermore, responsiveness to predator visual signal peak at 48 hours cumulative exposure, suggest an optimal predation risk exposure period of up to 48 hours.

• Korean Journal of Ecology and Environment
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• v.45 no.3
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• pp.263-270
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• 2012

The objectives of the study were to determine fish fauna and compositions during 2010~2011 in Walpyung Conservation Park along with analysis of fish community structures and trophic and tolerance guilds. Total number of species and individuals sampled were 31 and 2667, respectively and dominant species was Zacco platypus (46.6%) and subdominant species was Acheilognathus lanceolatus (8.7%), which were composed of >50% of the total. Total number of Korean endemic species including Microphysogobio yaluensis was 10 and the proportion of the individuals was 8.7%. Also, natural monument No. 454 of Iksookimia choii, which is endangered species and legal protected species, was sampled and the total number of individuals was only three. According to the analysis of fish community structures, species richness index in the mid-stream reach ($M_r$) was 3.145, which is higher than any other stream reaches ($U_r$ and $D_r$). In contrast, the richness index was 2.180 in the up-stream reach ($U_r$), which is minimum among the sampling sites. Species diversity index was 1.785 and 1.975, respectively in the headwater ($U_r$) and mid-stream reach ($M_r$) and the low values in the down-stream reach ($D_r$, 1.660) were due to the influences of pointsource (i.e., road construction) and non-point sources (sporadic agricultural spots). According to analysis of tolerance guilds, the proportion of tolerant species (TS), based on the number of individuals, was composed of 64.2% and sensitive species (SS) was only 3.3%, indicating a predominance of tolerant fishes in the compositions. The proportion of omnivore species (OS), however, was composed of 64.0% and insectivore species (IS) was 29.3%, indicating a predominance of omnivore fishes in the stream. The high proportions of tolerant and omnivore species in this stream indicates that the water quality and physical habitat environments were degradated in this system. For these reasons, especially natural monument and endemic fish species in this region should be protected from the massive constructions and required to provide efficient stream management strategies.

• Korean Journal of Environment and Ecology
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• v.30 no.3
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• pp.353-368
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• 2016

This study surveyed the diversity and distributional characteristics of benthic macroinvertebrates and freshwater fish during the period from April to October, 2015 in Seonun Mountain Provincial Park. As a result, a total of 78 species of benthic macroinvertebrates belonging to 50 families, 16 orders, and four phyla were observed in Seonun stream; additionally, 25 species of freshwater fish belonging to six families were identified in all the investigated sites. Among benthic macroinvertebrates, Ephemeroptera(13 spp.: 22.81%) was the largest group in terms of species richness. In the FFGs, gathering-collectors(30 spp.: 36.14%) were relatively larger as represented by Ephemeroptera that usually inhabit fast flowing streams. In the HOGs, clingers(23 spp.: 29.49%) and burrowers(17 spp.: 21.79%) were the dominant groups. For both EPT ratio and ESB index, site 8 appeared to be the highest with 44.44% and 72 marks respectively, while the sites 4 and 9 showed relatively lower rates and indices. According to the results of evaluation, site 8 needs to be designated as the highest protection area while the sites 4 and 9 may be designated as target areas for preferential improvement. According to the analysis of fish community, the dominant species was Zacco teminchkii(333 inds.: 36.80%), and the dominant index was the lowest(0.24) and diversity index was the highest(1.81) at site 8, which therefore represents a stable freshwater fish community. In this survey, six Korean endemic species were identified: Ephemera separigata, Neoperla coreensis, Rhodeus uyekii, Squalidus gracilis majimae, Microphysogobio yaluensis, and Iksookimia koreensis. Also, three species belonging to the management of exportable group(Davidius lunatus, E. separigara, N. coreenis) were observed. Two habitat specific species: Thraulus grandis and Anguilla marmorata, were found for the first time in Gochang area and marked on the Korean distribution map through discussion.

• Korean Journal of Ichthyology
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• v.33 no.2
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• pp.126-141
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• 2021

Fauna of freshwater fish and community structure were investigated at 13 sites in the Deogyusan National Park, Korea from 2014 to 2018. During the period, a total of 8 families, 21 species, and 8,716 individuals of fishes were collected. The number of fish collected over the past five years from 2014 to 2018, were 17 species and 2,280 individuals, 17 species and 1,579 individuals, 17 species 1,905 individuals, 17 species and 1,384 individuals, and 15 species and 1,568 individuals, respectively. There were 13 Korean endemic species including Iksookimia koreensis and Coreoleuciscus splendidus, etc. Only in Wondangcheon Stream, two endangered species were identified, and Hemibarbus mylodon was collected continuously except in 2015, and Pseudopungtungia nigra was observed every year. And two exotic species such as Oncorhynchus masou masou and Oncorhynchus mykiss occurred in Gucheongdongcheon Stream sites. The dominant species was Rhynchocypris oxycephalus and the sub-dominant species was Zacco koreanus and there was no difference by year. The fish community structure of Deogyusan National Park was varied depending on the sites and the year. Most of the survey sites located upper stream where the river structure is Aa river type showed poor community analysis results. On the other hand, the upper-mid stream sites including the Bb type showed better results. As a result, the Wondangcheon Stream sites had the most diverse and stable community structure. Similarity dendrogram was divided into 4 groups, mainly reflecting the characteristics of the habitat. The flagship species of the Deogyusan National Park, Rhynchocypris kumgangensis, was constantly observed during the investigation period. Compared to the previous survey, the number of species increased from 2004 (12 species) and decreased from 2009 (22 species).