• Korean Journal of Ichthyology
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• v.34 no.4
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• pp.277-287
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• 2022

Two sculpin specimens (79.3~100.8 mm standard length) were collected from the upper reach of Deokdongcheon Stream, a tributary of the Hyeongsangang River, in Korea. They were identified as Cottus pollux by characteristics such as the absence of palatine teeth, 12~13 unbranched pectoral fin rays, pelvic fins without obvious bands or spots, and the absence of a blackish band on the head or anterior part of the body. A phylogenetic analysis based on the nuclear ITS1 gene and mitochondrial cytb gene indicated that the specimens formed a clade with Japanese C. pollux, supporting the morphological species identification. We propose a new Korean name for the species: "Min-mu-nui-dug-jung-gae"

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