• Korean Journal of Ichthyology
• /
• v.36 no.1
• /
• pp.68-76
• /
• 2024

To reveal the feeding ecology of Rhynchocypris semotilus, the survey was conducted in Songhyeoncheon, Songhyeon-ri, Hyeonnae-myeon, Goseong-gun, Gangwon-do in April 2022. As a result of analyzing the contents of the stomach using the index of relative importance (IRI), the important prey organisms were mainly Trichoptera (46.6%), Ephemeroptera (27.6%), Diptera (12.6%), Odonata (9.7%), Plecoptera (2.8%), Coleoptera (0.6%), and Hemiptera (0.1%) of Class Insecta, Phylum Arthropoda in that order. As a result of analyzing the trend by calculating the index of relative importance (IRI) for each age, it was found that those born in the same year mainly feed on relatively small Ephemeroptera and Diptera, but the proportion of these gradually decreases as they grow. And the proportion of relatively large Trichoptera and Odonata gradually increased, turning them into the most important food source for those over 3 years old. Additionally, prey size was the smallest at 2.8±2.5 (0.6 to 9.0) mm for individuals born in the same year, but gradually increased to 5.1±6.1 (1.1 to 17.0) mm for individuals born more than 3 years. As a result of examining prey selectivity, Plecoptera (+0.78), Trichoptera (+0.66), (+0.66), Coleoptera (+0.66), and Hemiptera (+0.03) showed positive selectivity, while Amphipoda (-1.00), Ephemeroptera (-0.24), Odonata (-0.13) and Diptera (-0.05) showed negative selectivity.

• Korean Journal of Ecology and Environment
• /
• v.57 no.2
• /
• pp.92-101
• /
• 2024

Current distribution of Korean Cottus pollux was investigated by conducting field surveys and environmental DNA analysis in September to November 2022 and March to May 2023. As a result of the field survey, the presence of C. pollux was confirmed in the uppermost stream of Hyeongsangang River, as well as in Deokdongcheon, Jeolgolcheon, and Hoamcheon Streams. The main habitat of C. pollux was the riffle area in the upper reaches of streams with clean water and boulder-cobble bottoms. As a result of environmental DNA analysis, the samples determined to be positive included all streams in which the presence of C. pollux was confirmed in the field survey. In addition, Namcheon and Singwangcheon Streams were determined to be positive, indicating potential as its habitats. Since C. pollux has a narrow distribution area and a small population size, continuous monitoring and conservation measures are required to immediately respond to damage caused by typhoons and river works, which are the main causes of habitat disturbance, in order to maintain a stable population.

• Korean Journal of Ecology and Environment
• /
• v.57 no.3
• /
• pp.134-147
• /
• 2024

Present study investigated fish community at 12 sites within Yudeungcheon Stream in October 2018 and May 2019 to understand the inhabit status of the endangered species Pseudopungtungia nigra. We collected 39 species and 2,554 individuals of fish, and the Fish Assessment Index (FAI) was evaluated as "Good (B)" with an average score of 66.8. Among collected fishes, 15 endemic and 2 invasive species, Micropterus salmoides and Lepomis macrochirus were identified. In the distribution survey of P. nigra, it appeared in a range of approximately 12 km from Maebawiyuwonji Park (St. 5) to Budnaedari Bridge (St. 10). Based on population collected in May, the age of P. nigra (female) were divided into three groups by the length-frequency distribution method: 1 year old (60~76 mm), 2 years old (82~99 mm), and more than 3 years old (100~117 mm). Total length of the minimum maturity individual was 60 mm, and was a 1 year old. The estimated average population size using the Jolly-Seber method was 5,804 individuals in the Suryeongyo Bridge. Our study provides fundamental information about the fish community and River health assessment in Yudeungcheon Stream. Furthermore, we are expected to provide ecological information of the P. nigra, consequently helping to establish conservation and restoration plans for endangered species.

• Korean Journal of Ecology and Environment
• /
• v.57 no.3
• /
• pp.148-161
• /
• 2024

This study conducted morphological and molecular phylogenetic analyses on three presumed natural interspecific hybrids of the genus Sarcocheilichthys, collected from the main stream of the Seomjin River and its tributary, Dongbokcheon Stream, as well as their parent species, S. nigripinnis morii and S. variegatus wakiyae, to identify whether they are natural hybrids and to determine their maternal and paternal species. The results of the molecular phylogenetic analysis clearly demonstrated that the three presumed natural hybrids are indeed natural hybrids of S. nigripinnis morii and S. variegatus wakiyae, with S. nigripinnis morii identified as the maternal species and S. variegatus wakiyae as the paternal species. The three natural hybrids exhibited intermediate or unique morphological traits that were not biased towards either parent species, and distinct morphological characteristics were observed in the dorsal fin and caudal fin. In the water bodies where the natural hybrids were collected, a variety of Acheilognathinae species and spawning hosts coexisted alongside the parent species S. nigripinnis morii and S. variegatus wakiyae. It is presumed that the overlapping spawning periods and locations of S. nigripinnis morii and S. variegatus wakiyae promoted the occurrence of hybrids. The unidirectional occurrence of natural interspecific hybridization is attributed to interspecific competition and population imbalance, and the sneaker behavior of S. variegatus wakiyae males was proposed as an important mechanism.

• Korean Journal of Ichthyology
• /
• v.36 no.3
• /
• pp.209-219
• /
• 2024

A survey was conducted in 2011 to investigate the reproductive ecology and spawning behavior of the natural monumental and endangered species, Cobitis choii. C. choii exhibits sexual dimorphism with the development of lamina circularis on the second pectoral fin ray in males at one year old, facilitating easy differentiation between males and females. A total of 1,288 females and 881 males were collected from January to December, resulting in a sex ratio of 1 : 0.68. The spawning season was estimated to be from late June to early July (spawning peak from late June, with water temperatures ranging from 22 to 25℃), coinciding with a sharp decrease in the condition index. Gonadal maturity was observed with maturity indices of 17.5±2.11% for females and 2.9±0.46% for males, with fecundity of 2,444±838 eggs and egg size of 0.75±0.05 mm. Spawning behavior was induced by hormone injection (Human Chorionic Gonadotropin, HCG) in laboratory conditions. Experimental results revealed that males and females paired in a 1 : 1 ratio before spawning. Males pressed the abdomen of females using their lamina circularis to induce spawning, followed by immediate fertilization. Spawning behavior was repeated 15 to 25 (average 20) times per pair of males and females, and 80 to 120 eggs were spawned per time, and the total amount of spawned eggs were 2,500±250 on average.

• Korean Journal of Ichthyology
• /
• v.26 no.3
• /
• pp.202-211
• /
• 2014

Feeding ecology of Luciogobius guttatus (Flat-head goby) populations were investigated on the Youngjong, Incheon, Korea. In total, 257 individuals ranging from 13.4 to 57.5 mm standard length SL were analyzed. L. guttatus was studied in the Tide-pool from January 2010 to December 2010 monthly. The stomach contents of L. guttatus consisted mainly of Copepods and Brachyurans. Amphipods, Anomurans, Cumaceans, Macrurans, Insects and small stones were also observed. As a result, the benthic crustaceans were important food for this species. Harpacticoid spp. (Copepods) and Hemigrapsus spp. (Brachyurans) were major prey organisms for all fish size and seasons.

• Korean Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences
• /
• v.42 no.2
• /
• pp.146-150
• /
• 2009

Genetic variation and relationship of two wild (Pampus argenteus and P. echinogaster) and one cultured (P. chinesis) pomfret fish belonging to the genus Pampus were assessed. Specimens were collected from Korea and China and subjected to amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) DNA fingerprinting. Four primer combinations generated a total of 304 DNA fragments ranging from 153 to 251 bands. Polymorphism and genetic diversity of cultured P. chinensis (22.9% and 0.038) were significantly lower than the two wild species of P. argenteus (93.6% and 0.311) and P. echinogaster (94.0% and 0.290). Genetic distance ranged from 0.335 (P. argenteus and P. echinogaster) to 0.646 (P. argenteus and P. chinensis) and showed a congeneric relationship within this genus. Twenty one of specific AFLP markers from four primer combinations bands were produced. These results suggest that AFLP polymorphism may be a useful marker for genetic identification among the three species studies here.

• Animal cells and systems
• /
• v.14 no.1
• /
• pp.45-51
• /
• 2010

Genetic variation was surveyed at the mitochondrial control region (766bp) to test for the presence of genetic stock structure in the small yellow croaker, Larimichthys polyactis from the Yellow and East China Seas. Individuals of the small yellow croaker could not be distinguished on the basis of its location, as demonstrated using the neighbor-joining (NJ) method, unweighted pair-group method, arithmetic average (UPGMA) and the minimum spanning network (MSN). Analysis of molecular variance revealed no significant differences among collections of the small yellow croaker taken from the four locations (two locations each in Korea and China). Neutrality tests and a mismatch distribution analysis indicated that this species has recently expanded. Our findings suggest either that the small yellow croaker has a high migration capability that enables it to overcome the effects of genetic drift, or that this species expanded relatively recently and has not yet had sufficient time to differentiate.

• Animal Systematics, Evolution and Diversity
• /
• v.29 no.4
• /
• pp.288-293
• /
• 2013

A single specimen of the genus Sillago, collected from Gwangyang, Korea, in May 2009, is characterized by XI first dorsal fin spines, 3 or 4 rows of melanophore pattern along the second dorsal fin membrane, and a darkish posterior margin of the caudal fin. Our specimen was identified as Sillago sinica reported as a new species; this identification is confirmed by mitochondrial DNA cytochrome oxidase subunit I sequences, which show that our specimen corresponds to S. sinica (d=0.000) and differs from the congeneric species Sillago parvisquamis (d=0.170). Comparisons of Korean specimens previously reported as S. parvisquamis with specimens of S. sinica show that the S. parvisquamis specimens are actually S. sinica. We propose the new Korean name "buk-bang-jeom-bo-ri-myeol" for S. sinica.

• Animal Systematics, Evolution and Diversity
• /
• v.29 no.4
• /
• pp.272-278
• /
• 2013

Accurate identification of fish and fish products, from eggs to adults, is important in many areas. Grey mullets of the family Mugilidae are distributed worldwide and inhabit marine, estuarine, and freshwater environments in all tropical and temperate regions. Various Mugilid species are commercially important species in fishery and aquaculture of many countries. For the present study we have chosen two Mugilid genes with different phylogenetic signals: relatively variable mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase subunit I (COI) and conservative nuclear rhodopsin (RHO). We examined their diversity within and among 9 Mugilid species belonging to 4 genera, many of which have been examined from multiple specimens, with the goal of determining whether DNA barcoding can achieve unambiguous species recognition of Mugilid species. The data obtained showed that information based on COI sequences was diagnostic not only for species-level identification but also for recognition of intraspecific units, e.g., allopatric populations of circumtropical Mugil cephalus, or even native and acclimatized specimens of Chelon haematocheila. All RHO sequences appeared strictly species specific. Based on the data obtained, we conclude that COI, as well as RHO sequencing can be used to unambiguously identify fish species. Topologies of phylogeny based on RHO and COI sequences coincided with each other, while together they had a good phylogenetic signal.