• Korean Journal of Ichthyology
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• v.26 no.2
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• pp.89-98
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• 2014

Eggs development and early life history of the endangered Korean dwarf loach, Kichulchoia brevifasciata (Teleostei: Cobitidae) was investigated to provide basic information regarding biological characteristics and restoration. Adult fish specimens were sampled using a spoon net at Geurnsan-myeon, Goheung-gun, Jeollanam-do, Korea from June to July 2011. Since, spawning characteristics were analyzed, and females were induced to spawn by injecting Ovaprim (0.5 mL/kg) and their eggs were artificially fertilized with sperms by the dry method in the laboratory. Total length of mature female were 46~76 mm with GSI $9.6{\pm}3.77%$, and total length of mature male was 42~52 mm with GSI $3.5{\pm}1.04%$. Sex ratio (♂/♀) was 0.10, and there were no secondary sexual characteristics. The number of mature eggs was averaged $60{\pm}28.7$ per female. The lemon yellow eggs were slightly adhesive $1.46{\pm}0.07mm$ in diameter. The embryo hatched approximately 66 h after fertilization at $25^{\circ}C$, and the hatched larvae were averaged $5.5{\pm}0.07mm$ in total length (TL). At 6 days after hatching, the larvae averaged $9.0{\pm}0.29mm$(TL) and their yolk sac was completely absorbed. At 17 days after hatching, they entered the juvenile stage and reached $12.6{\pm}0.24mm$ (TL). At 80 days after hatching, the band patterns and external form of the juveniles were similar to those of adults, and they averaged $33.0{\pm}2.19mm$(TL).

• Korean Journal of Ichthyology
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• v.25 no.1
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• pp.9-16
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• 2013

Egg development and early life history of the endangered species, Gobiobotia naktongensis were investigated to provide basic information regarding biological characteristics and restoration. Eggs were obtained from the females with Ovaprim (0.5 mL/kg) injecting and then fertilized using the dry method in the laboratory. Number of spawned eggs were $1,015{\pm}199$. Spawned eggs were strongly adhesive, opaque and grayish and measured $0.74{\pm}0.08mm$ (mean${\pm}$SD) in diameter. Fertilized egg size continuously increase until $2.94{\pm}0.10mm$ for 9 h 30 min at $23^{\circ}C$. Fertilized eggs hatched 26 h after fertilization, and newly hatched larvae an average were $3.4{\pm}0.07mm$(TL). The yolk sacs of the larvae were of most absorbed of 3 days after hatching and $4.4{\pm}0.1mm$ (TL). About at 13 days after hatching, they became to juvenile stage and reached $16.8{\pm}0.50mm$ (TL). At 80 days after hatching, the band patterns and external form of juveniles were similar to those of adults, and they averaged $27.7{\pm}2.32mm$(TL).

• Korean Journal of Ichthyology
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• v.33 no.1
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• pp.8-14
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• 2021

Spawning behavior of the endangered Korean fish, Microphysogobio koreensis, was investigated in the Seomjingang (river), Imsil-gun, South Korea, during the spawning season, April to May 2012. The mating system of M. koreensis, a broadcast spawner, was a primitive spawning mode, and involved one male and one female, unlike group spawning fishes. Spawning behavior of M. koreensis in the wild were observed in eight patterns as resting, male chase, body beating, parallel swim, female withdrawal, male competition, spawning and not guard while spawning behavior in the glass tank were verified in six patterns as resting, male chase, body beating, parallel swim, spawning and not guard. In particular, a behavioral attempt of the pre-spawning stage showed more frequently in the wild than in the glass tank. We assume that difference of spawning behavior might be implication on behavioral restrictions in small and narrow indoor glass tank.

• Korean Journal of Ecology and Environment
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• v.55 no.1
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• pp.49-59
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• 2022

Total of 325 estuaries in Korea were surveyed to analyze the effect of presence of sluice gate on the estuary environment and fish community from 2016 to 2018. Fish community in closed and open estuaries showed differences generally, and the relative abundance (RA) of primary freshwater species in the closed and migratory species in the open estuaries were high. The result of classifying species by habitat characteristics in closed and open estuaries showed similar tendencies at the estuaries of south sea and west sea. The relative abundances of primary freshwater species in the closed estuaries at the estuaries of south sea and west sea were the highest, but estuarine and migratory species were high in both closed and open estuaries at the estuaries of east sea. Primary freshwater species showed higher abundances in the closed estuaries with reduced salinity due to blocking of seawater since they are not resistant to salt. However, primary freshwater species in open estuaries at east sea was higher than that of the closed estuaries, which is considered to be the result of reflecting the characteristics (tide, sand bar, etc.) of the east sea. Korea Estuary Fish Assessment Index (KEFAI) was showed to be higher at open estuaries than closed in all sea areas (T-test, P<0.001), the highest KEFAI was observed in closed estuaries at south sea, and open estuaries in east sea. Fish community of closed and open estuaries in each sea areas showed statistically significant differences (PERMANOVA, East, Pseudo-F=3.0198, P=0.002; South, Pseudo-F=22.00, P=0.001; West, Pseudo-F=14.067, P=0.001). Fish assemblage similarity by sea areas showed a significant differences on fish community in closed and open estuaries at east sea, south sea, and west sea (SIMPER, Group dissimilarity, 85.85%, 88.36%, and 88.05%). This study provided information on the characteristics and distribution of fish community according to the types of estuaries. The results of this study can be used as a reference for establishing appropriate management plans according to the sea areas and type in the management and restoration of estuaries for future.

• Korean Journal of Environment and Ecology
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• v.20 no.3
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• pp.331-339
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• 2006

Inhabitant patterns of the legally protected species and the characteristics of fish fauna in the Pyeongchang River, Korea, were studied from April to July 2004 by selecting 6 sites. The number of fish samples in this period were 2,448 in 35 species of 9 families. A total of nineteen endemic species (54.29%) were presented and those were Hemibarbus mylodon and Acheilognathus signifer. The highest frequency was shown in Zacco korean us (34.84%) and Pungtungia herzi (10.25%) and Coreoleuciscus splendidus (6.86%) were the next. In addition, The highest biomass was found in Z. koreanus (5,580.2g) and Coreoperca. herzi (1.241.2g) and C. splendidus (1,207.0g) were the next. When comparing the distribution of the legally protected species in within the Han River system, the highesting distributions were determined in the Pyeongchang and Dong River (6 species). The ratio of individuals in the Pyeongchang River was shown to be higher (10.62%) than that of other lakes and streams. In conclusion, more precise protection and protective plans were needed in order to maintain the lake ecology in good status because the Pyeongchang River is relatively well protected from the anthropogenic disturbance in the legally protected species including the endemic species.

• Korean Journal of Ecology and Environment
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• v.43 no.2
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• pp.271-278
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• 2010

Field monitoring was conducted for fish fauna and community assessment at 7 sites from April 2008 to October 2009 in the Chogang Stream. The number of fish samples in this period were 4,669 in 36 species of 9 families. Family Cyprinidae take 66.7 (24 species), Cobitidae, Bagridae, Centropomidae and Odontobutidae occupied 5.6%(each 2 species), respectively. Twenty species (55.6%) including Acheilognathus koreensis and A. yamatsutae were found endemic out of the 36 species. The species of Pseudopungtungia nigra, Gobiobotia macrocephala and Gobiobotia brevibarba were endangered species. The most frequently found one was Zacco koreanus (34.0%, n=1,588) followed by Z. platypus (22.6%, n=1,053) and Coreoleuciscus splendidus (13.3%, n=623). The lower reach of Chogang Stream was more abundance of species, high diversity, evenness and richness, and lower dominance index than those of the upper reach. According to the dendrogram established at 0.5 level of similarity rate, sampling stations were divided into 3 groups. They were divided into upper most stream (St. 1~St. 2), upper stream (St. 3), middle and lower stream (St. 4~St. 7). Overall, it was concluded that the Chogang Stream has been relatively well protected from the anthropogenic disturbance for the legally protected species including the endemic species studied in this study.

• Korean Journal of Environment and Ecology
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• v.34 no.2
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• pp.142-156
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• 2020

This study surveyed Gyeongan Stream, a tributary of the Han River Drainage System, from April to October 2017 to investigate the characteristics of fish communities. The survey collected 40 species of 11 families from 48 survey stations using kick nets and cast nets. The dominant and subdominant species were Zacco platypus (48.0%) and Rhynchocypris oxycephalus (17.7%), respectively. The next most abundant species were Pungtungia herzi (6.8%), Z. koreanus (5.0%), Carassius auratus (4.3%), Squalidus gracilis majimae (2.7%), and Rhodeus notatus (2.5%). Among the fish collected, 14 species (35.0%) were Korean endemic species, and the exotic species were Micropterus salmoides, Lepomis macrochirus, and Cyprinus carpio (Israeli type). The land-locked species were Plecoglossus altivelis, Rhinogobius brunneus, and Cottus koreanus, while the species sensitive to climate change was C. koreanus. The community analysis showed that the dominance was higher at the uppermost stream station, whereas diversity and abundance tended to be lower at the upstream station and higher toward the downstream station. The community structure was largely divided into rivers (uppermost stream, upstream, and middle-lower stream) and lake. The river health was mostly good (23 stations, 47.9%) and fair (15 stations, 31.3%). Comparison with past surveys showed that 12 species identified in the past surveys did not appear in this survey; nine species appeared for the first time in this survey; and the ecosystem disturbance species - M. salmoides and L. macrochirus - tended to spread more widely gradually.

• Korean Journal of Ecology and Environment
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• v.38 no.2 s.112
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• pp.196-206
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• 2005

The fish community in the mid-upper region of Gam Stream was examined seasonally from 2001 to 2003 in order to perform an environmental impact assessment prior to a construction of Gamcheon Multipurpose Dam. Additional investigation was conducted in August 2004 to confirm the fish fauna reported and to examine the ecological characteristics of Zacco temminckii population. The total number of fish caught from the study sites was 1,081 fish representing 5 families 14 species. There were 6 Korean endemic species including Coreoleuciscus splendidus, Squalidus gracilis majimae, Microphysogobio yaluensis, Liobagrus mediadiposalis, Coreoperca herzi and Odontobutis platycephala, but no endangered or vulnerable species were found. Length-weight relation, condition factor (K) and relative condition factor (Kn) of Zacco temminckii were compared by the study sites and stream. The equations based on length-weight relation in Buhang and Gam Streams were TW\;=\;0.000004TL^{3.2357}$ and TW\;=\;0.000002TL^{3.3566}$, respectively indicating the fish in Gam Stream became more rotund as length increases. The condition factor (K) and relative condition factor (Kn) against total length of Zacco temminckii at two streams indicated that the fish (>70 mm) in Cam Stream (mean K and Kn= 1.116, 1.21 respectively) had better nutritional condition than those in Buhang Stream (mean K and Ln = 1.046, 1.14 respectively). The results were corresponded with natural disturbances such as drought and intensive rainfall from 2001 to 2003 followed by human activities such as stream repair works. Therefore, it is considered to perform environmental impact assessment with not only confirmation of fish composition but also examination of ecological characteristics in population- level.

• Korean Journal of Environment and Ecology
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• v.36 no.2
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• pp.165-176
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• 2022

This study surveyed the characteristics of fish communities in Hwapocheon Wetland, Korea, from May to September 2020. The survey collected 735 objects in 21 species belonging to 7 families from 8 survey stations. The dominant and subdominant species were Hemiculter eigenmanni(23.8%) and Micropterus salmoides(10.3%), respectively. The next most abundant species were Zacco platypus(9.5%), Carassius auratus(9.4%), Pseudorasbora parva(9.0%), Squalidus chankaensis tsuchigae(6.7%), Acheilognathus macropterus(5.4%), Lepomis macrochirus(5.2%), Pseudogobio esocinus(4.1%), Opsariichthys uncirostris amurensis(3.7%), and Carassius cuvieri(3.3%). Among the fish species collected, one species, Culter brevicauda, was class II endangered wildlife designated by the Ministry of Environment, and one species,S. c. tsuchigae(4.8%), was endemic to Korea.Additionally, three exotic species (M. salmoides, L. macrochirus, and C. cuvieri) and one landlocked species (Rhinogobius brunneus) were collected. Compared to previous studies, the proportion of fish living in the running water area tended to decrease, the proportion of fish living in the water purification area tended to increase, and ecosystem-disturbing species (M. salmoides and L. macrochirus) tended to increase gradually. Results of fish community analysis showed that the mainstream stations (St. 1, 3, 4, 5, 6, and 8) had low dominance, but high diversity and richness, and other stations (St. 2 and 7) had high dominance but low diversity and richness. The river health (index of biological integrity) evaluated using fish was assessed as bad (6 stations), normal (1 station), and very bad (1 station). The water quality grade was assessed as slightly bad due to the chemical oxygen demand (COD), total organic content (TOC), suspended solid (SS), and total coliforms (TC). The annual water quality showed a gradually increasing trend of biological oxygen demand (BOD), COD, SS, and chlorophyll-a. The stable life of fish and the improvement of river health in Hwapocheon Wetland require water quality improvement and the systematic management of ecosystem-disturbing species (M. salmoidesand L. macrochirus).

• Korean Journal of Ecology and Environment
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• v.55 no.1
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• pp.35-48
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• 2022

Fish assemblage of total 325 of Korean peninsula estuaries were surveyed to analyze the characteristics of community structure and diversity by sea areas for three years from 2016 to 2018. The scale (stream width) of Korean estuaries were various (14~3,356 m), and 68.9% of all estuaries showed salinity of less than 2 psu. Total 149 species classified into 52 families of fish were identified, and the dominant and sub-dominant species were Tribolodon hakonensis (relative abundance, RA, 12.5%) and Mugil cephalus (RA, 9.5%), respectively. The estuary of the Korean Peninsula had different physical and chemical habitat environments depending on the sea area, and accordingly, fish community structure also showed statistically significant differences (PERMANOVA, Pseudo-F=26.69, P=0.001). In addition, the NMDS (nonmetric multidimensional scaling) results showed the patterns that indicating fish community difference by sea areas, even though low community similarity within sea area (SIMPER, 21.79~26.39%). The estuaries of east sea areas were distinguished from the others in the aspects of which, the higher importance of migratory fishes and endangered species, and that of brackish species were characterized at south sea estuaries. However, the estuaries of west sea showed higher importance of species that have a relation with freshwater (primary freshwater species, exotic species), which is the result that associating with the lower salinity of west sea estuaries because of the high ratio of closed estuaries(78.2%). The SIMPER analysis, scoring the contribution rates of species to community similarity, also showed results corresponding to the tendency of different fish community structures according to each sea area. So far, In Korea, most studies on fish communities in estuaries have been conducted in a single estuary unit, which made it difficult to understand the characteristics of estuaries at the national level, which are prerequisite for policy establishment. In present study, we are providing fish community structure characteristics of Korean estuaries in a national scale, including diversity index, habitat salinity ranges of major species, distribution of migratory species. We are expecting that our results could be utilized as baseline information for establishing management policies or further study of Korean estuaries.