• Korean Journal of Environment and Ecology
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• v.33 no.2
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• pp.202-215
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• 2019

This study was conducted to investigate the spawning preference of the Acheilognathinae fishes in relation to the shell size of host mussels after identifying the species of eggs and fries in the host mussel using our recently developed RFLP (Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism) molecular marker at four sites [Hongcheon Naechoncheon (HN) and Deokchicheon (HD) from the North Han River basin and Jeongseon Goljicheon (JG) and Joyanggang (JJ) from the South Han River] in South Korea during May in each year between 2015 and 2018. The Acheilognathinae fish observed in the studied sites included one species (Acheilognathus signifer) in HN and JG, three species (Rhodeus uyekii, A. signifer, and Acheilognathus yamatsutae) in HD, and two species (A. signifer and Acheilognathus yamatsutae) in JJ, and we collected 982 host mussels (Unio douglasiae sinuolatus) that inhabited in all four sites. Using the RFLP molecular marker, we confirmed 46 eggs and fry of the Acheilognathinae fish (454 A. signifer, 43 Acheilognathus yamatsutae, and 149 Acheilognathus yamatsutae) in Unio douglasiae sinuolatus (N=163; 16.6%). We compare the average shell length, shell height, and shell width of mussels with [presence] eggs/fry and mussels without [absence] eggs/fry to examine the spawning preference according to the size of host mussels in each site. The results show that the shell length (1.98 mm), shell height (0.85 mm), and shell width (0.73 mm) of mussels with the eggs/fry were significantly larger (Mann-Whitney U test, P=0.002; difference=1.98 mm) than those of mussel without eggs/fry in HD where three species cohabitated. Although the shell length, shell height, and shell width of mussels with the eggs/fry were larger also in the other three sites, the difference was not statistically significant. In addition, we analyzed the mean number of spawned eggs and fry of each species and found $9.31{\pm}5.94$ R. uyekii, $2.86{\pm}2.45$ A.signifer, and $2.50{\pm}1.32$ A. yamatsutae. R. uyekii spawned 6.45-6.81 more eggs than A.signifer and A. yamatsutae on average per mussel, and it was statistically significant (Kruskal-Wallis test, P < 0.001). These findings indicate that the three species of Acheilognathinae fish tend to prefer larger mussels as their spawning hosts, and this tendency increases when the number of cohabitating bitterling fish species increases. Moreover, A.signifer and A. yamatsutae spawned a smaller number of eggs evenly in more host mussels while R. uyekii spawned many eggs on relatively fewer mussels. We found mussels (N=4) having the eggs/fry of two coexisting species, A. signifier and A. yamatsutae in HD and JJ where more than two bitterling fish species occurred. It suggests the interspecific competition taking place between the Acheilognathinae fishes for utilizing the same resource of mussels for spawning when two or more species cohabitate. This study is expected help to understand better the spawning patterns and reproductive ecology of the Acheilognathinae fishes, which will provide insightful information for advancing our understanding of their ecological relationships - mutualism or host-parasitism - with host mussels.

• Korean Journal of Ichthyology
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• v.20 no.3
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• pp.167-172
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• 2008

The Korean bitterling, Acheilognathus signifer (Osteichthyes Cyprinidae), is an endemic and endangered species in Korea. During developmental stages, a small number of oculocutaneous albinism (with colorless body and eyeballs) were observed in the species. In order to investigate histological differences between normal and albinic bitterling, the dorsal skin and choroid-retina of the eyes were taken. The skin and eyes of normal and albino bitterling were similar in structure except for the presence or density of pigment cells. In normal bitterling, the epidermal melanocytes and dermal melanophores were abundantly developed in both the skin and epidermis of the eyes. But in the albino, the dorsal skin had few melanins, and the pigment cells over the choroid-retina pigment epithelium and iris of the eye were very small.

• Korean Journal of Environmental Biology
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• v.22 no.3
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• pp.446-455
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• 2004

The ichthyofauna and community structure in Hongcheon river, Korea, was investigated from April to October 2002. During the surveyed period, 52 species belonging 11 families were collected. There were 23 Korean endemic species (44.23%), including Rhodeus uyekii, Acheilognathus signifer, A. yamatsutae, Coreoleuciscus splendidus, Koreocobitis rotundicaudata and Silurus microdorsalis. Dominant species were Zacco platypus (20.38%), and subdominant species were Z. temmincki (19.62%). Also, Rhynchocypris oxycephalus (8.45%), Pungtungia herzi (8.01%), C. splendidus (6.63%) were numerous. Of the 6 introduced fishes in Hongcheon river Carassius cuvieri, Lepomis macrochirus and Micropterus salmoides were originated from foreign countries but Anguilla japonica, Gymnogobius urotaenia, Rhinogobius giurinus were introduced from other native river systems. According to the fish distribution, the fish community of Hongcheon river was divided into 4 groups by principle component analysis (PCA).

• Korean Journal of Ichthyology
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• v.31 no.2
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• pp.67-76
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• 2019

This study was conducted from 2017 to 2018 to determine habitat aspects of Acheilognathus signifier, an endangered species reintroduced (2010~2012) to Heukcheon Stream, a tributary of the Hangang River, Korea. A total of 329 individuals were collected in 2017 (two surveys) and 723 individuals were collected in 2018 (four surveys) at about 5 km habitat area, including the discharge station. A. signifier's habitat was about 0.4 to 1.2 meters deep in slow water flow upstream of the discharge area. It was a place with many boulders and cobbles. The spawning period was estimated from April to June in terms of spawning behavior and collected juvenile size. Sex ratio of females (438) and males (412) was 1 : 0.94. Estimated age of A. signifier based on their total length distribution during the spawning period (April) indicated that 1-, 2-, 3-year old groups and more than 4-year-old group were 32~43 mm, 50~61 mm, 62~75 mm, and 76~89 mm, respectively. Age-specific composition costs differed depending on the timing of the collection. They were relatively high in the order of first-year (juvenile)>third-year> and fourth-year or higher, showing a stable age structure. Thus, A. signifier reintroduced to Heukcheon Stream has successfully settled down and formed a stable population, showing a tendency to proliferate.

• 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.36 no.3
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• pp.352-358
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• 2018

This study aimed to develop a species identification method for the egg and fry of the three Korean bitterling fishes (Pisces: Acheilognathinae), including Acheilognathus signifer, Acheilognathus yamatsutae and Rhodeus uyekii based on the PCR-based Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism (RFLP) markers. We conducted a field survey on the Deokchicheon River from the North Han River basin, where the three Acheilognathinae species co-occur, and also analyzed the existing sequence dataset available from the GenBank. We found coexistence of the three species at the study site. The egg and fry were obtained from the host mussels (Unio douglasiae sinuolatus) by hand from May to June 2015 and in May 2017. To develop PCR-based RFLP markers for species identification of the three Acheilognathinae fish species, restriction enzymes pinpointing species-specific single nucleotide variation (SNV) sites in mitochondrial DNA COI (cytochrome oxidase I) and cyt b (cytochrome b) genes were determined. Genomic DNA was extracted from the egg and fry and RFLP experiments were carried out using restriction enzymes Apal I, Stu I and EcoR V for A. signifer, A. yamatsutae and R. uyekii, respectively. Consequently, unambiguous discrimination of the three species was possible, as could be seen in DNA band patterns from gel electrophoresis. Our developed PCR-based RFLP markers will be useful for the determination of the three species for the young and would assist in studying the spawning patterns and reproductive ecology of Acheilognathinae fishes. Furthermore, we believe the obtained information will be of importance for future maintenance, management and conservation of these natural and endangered species.

• Korean Journal of Environment and Ecology
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• v.38 no.3
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• pp.246-262
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• 2024

The survey conducted from 2018 to 2020 aimed to investigate the changes in fish fauna and community characteristics in the upper reaches of the Seomgang River, Korea. During the survey period, 35 sites were selected, resulting in the collection of 7,817 fish belonging to 12 families and 40 species. The dominant species was Zacco koreanus, with a relative abundance of 34.5%, followed by Z. platypus at 28.7%. Other significant species included Rhynchocypris oxycephalus (10.2%), Pungtungia herzi (5.3%), and Squalidus gracilis majimae (4.3%). Notably, four protected species - Acheilognathus signifer, Gobiobotia brevibarba, and Cottus koreanus, designated as class II endangered wildlife by the Ministry of Environment- were identified. These species predominantly inhabit the middle and lower reaches, except for Gobiobotia brevibarba, which is found in the upper reaches. Nineteen species, accounting for a 47.5% endemism rate, were endemic to Korea. The study also noted the presence of one climate-sensitive species, Cottus koreanus, and two exotic species, Carassius cuvieri and Micropterus salmoides. Community analysis indicated a trend of decreasing dominance and increasing diversity and richness from upstream to downstream, with a distinct division into uppermost reaches, upper reaches, middle and lower reaches, and lakes. The construction of the Hwaseong Dam has had a significant direct and indirect impact on the fish community. The habitat and abundance of endangered species such as R. pseudosericeus, A. signifer, and G. brevibarba decreased dramatically immediately after the dam's construction, transforming the submerged area from lotic to lentic environments. Approximately 20 years later, the habitats have stabilized, leading to an increase in the fish population and a recovery of the previously diminished endangered species. The river health (FAI) was also evaluated, with 27 sites rated as very good (A), seven as good (B), and one as fair (C). However, endangered species such as A. signifer continue to face threats from dam and river construction, while C. Koreanus has experienced a severe population decline due to river works. Additionally, the presence of the ecosystem-disrupting species M. salmoides in Hwaseong Lake raises concerns. To ensure a stable habitat for fish in the upper reaches of the Seomgang River, it is crucial to avoid indiscriminate river construction, urgently implement restoration policies for endangered species such as A. signifer, and develop management strategies to control the spread of invasive species such as bass.

• Korean Journal of Ecology and Environment
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• v.48 no.1
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• pp.38-50
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• 2015

Appearance patterns of freshwater fish were investigated in the western Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) adjacent areas near Imjin River in Gyeonggi-do, Korea, of 2014. A total of 61 species belonging to 14 families were found in the river during the survey. The dominant and subdominant species were Zacco platypus (Relative abundance, 20.3%) and Zacco koreanus (12.6%), respectively. Other abundant species include Rhinogobius brunneus (9.2%), Pungtungia herzi (4.4%), Acheilognathus yamatsutae (4.4%), and Pseudogobio esocinus (4.0%). Among the residing species, 24 species (39.3%) were endemic to Korea; and 1 species, Carassius cuvieri, was non-indigenous species. Hemibarbus mylodon is a natural monument, and Lethenteron reissneri, Acheilognathus signifer, Pseudopungtungia tenuicorpa, Gobiobotia brevibarba, G. macrocephala, and G. naktongensis are endangered species in Korea. In addition, Anguilla japonica and Plecoglossus altivelis are catadromous and amphidromous species, respectively. Among the investigated sites, the lower part of Sami Stream (St. 5, 6) and Gunnarm-dam region (St. 11, 14) are particularly valuable for the conservation of species diversity, because many fish species (33~42 species) including a natural monument and several endangered species inhabit in these regions.

• Korean Journal of Veterinary Research
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• v.13 no.2
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• pp.147-160
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• 1973

The present experiments proposed to pass judgement upon the suitability as the second intermediate host of Clonorchis sinensis, of three kinds of fresh-water fish by having them infected with the cercaria of Clonorchis sinensis and then observing the penetrating ability of the cercaria, and maturity, the process of degeneration and extinction, and infectivity of the metacercaria of Clonorchis sinensis. The following is a brief summary of the leading facts gained through the experiments; 1. P. parva was easily subject to invasion of the cercaria, A. signifer was much less subject to the invasion, and finally A. asmussi was hard to invade. And the infectivity of the cercariae was in proportion to their penetrating ability mentioned in the above. 2. The examination of the cercariae after having three kinds of fresh-water fish infected with them disclosed that 24 hours after the infection, all of the cercariae formed their cysts in muscle and the metacercariae kept growing, and that 7 days later the metacercariae were found folding their bodies twice, and that in 15 days the characteristic structure of the metacercariae was complete and they made a vigorous rotary movement intermittently. 3. Then the metacercariae came to a state of maturity and beyond this stage some metacercariae in P. parva started the process of degeneration and extinction in 133 days; some in A. asmussi, in 140 days; and A. signifer, in 70 days. As more days elapsed, their degeneration and extinction increased in number, and in 269 days all of them in A. signifer became dead while those in A. asmussi were all dead in 460 days. However almost all of them in P. parva survived even after 770 days. The results shown above revealed that P. parva was the most suitable as the second intermediate host among three kinds of fresh-water fish and that A. signifer and A. asmussi were not quite recommendable as the second intermediate host. The ability of the cercaria to invade fresh-water fish, and life span of the metacercaria within fresh-water fish vary outstandingly according to species of fresh-water fish. An explanation as to the mechanism must wait as the subject to be further pursued.

• Korean Journal of Ichthyology
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• v.23 no.2
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• pp.150-157
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• 2011

In this study we described reproduction study of Korean endemic species, Acheilognathus koreensis and three other acheilognathinae species A. signifer, Rhodeus pseudosericeus, and R. uyekii. Morphology of egg shape and larvae just hatched is unique by the species respectively. There is no interrelation factor between size of female and number of spawned eggs per one time. Minium water temperature for spawning of A. koreensis was observed in $13.0^{\circ}C$ having low hatching rate with 43.5 percent. The egg of A. koreensis began to hatch approximately 79 hours after insemination. As higher as water temperature until $22.0^{\circ}C$ hatching elapsed time for developing eggs of A. koreensis and three species in this study was shortened. A. koreensis was grew up to be a adult enough which can be join to new production for three hundred days after hatching with 52.4 mm in total length. This reproduction study will be applied to preservation of Korean endemic fresh water fishes basically.