• Journal of Environmental Health Sciences
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• v.45 no.2
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• pp.192-202
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• 2019

Objectives: According to the central limit theorem, the samples in population might be considered to follow normal distribution if a large number of samples are available. Once we assume that toxicity dataset follow normal distribution, we can treat and process data statistically to calculate genus or species mean value with standard deviation. However, little is known and only limited studies are conducted to investigate whether toxicity dataset follows normal distribution or not. Therefore, the purpose of study is to evaluate the generally accepted normality hypothesis of aquatic toxicity dataset Methods: We selected the 8 chemicals, which consist of 4 organic and 4 inorganic chemical compounds considering data availability for the development of species sensitivity distribution. Toxicity data were collected at the US EPA ECOTOX Knowledgebase by simple search with target chemicals. Toxicity data were re-arranged to a proper format based on the endpoint and test duration, where we conducted normality test according to the Shapiro-Wilk test. Also we investigated the degree of normality by simple log transformation of toxicity data Results: Despite of the central limit theorem, only one large dataset (n>25) follow normal distribution out of 25 large dataset. By log transforming, more 7 large dataset show normality. As a result of normality test on small dataset (n<25), log transformation of toxicity value generally increases normality. Both organic and inorganic chemicals show normality growth for 26 species and 30 species, respectively. Those 56 species shows normality growth by log transformation in the taxonomic groups such as amphibian (1), crustacean (21), fish (22), insect (5), rotifer (2), and worm (5). In contrast, mollusca shows normality decrease at 1 species out of 23 that originally show normality. Conclusions: The normality of large toxicity dataset was not always satisfactory to the central limit theorem. Normality of those data could be improved through log transformation. Therefore, care should be taken when using toxicity data to induce, for example, mean value for risk assessment.

• Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences
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• v.4 no.4
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• pp.208-218
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• 2001

We have investigated the gonad index (GI), gonadal development, reproductive cycle, first sexual maturity, sex ratio, the number of spawned eggs and spawning frequency of the Manila clam, Ruditapes philippinarum. Samples were collected from the intertidal zone of Komso Bay, Korea from January to December in 1999. Monthly changes in the gonad index (GI) and condition index showed a similar pattern in the reproductive cycle. The spawning period was once a year between early June and early October, there was a spawning peak between July and August when seawater temperature was over $20^{\circ}C$. The reproductive cycle of this species can be categorized into five successive stages; early active (February to March), late active (April to May), ripe (April to August), partially spawned (June to October), and spent/inactive stage (August to March). Percentages of first sexual maturity of female and male clams of l5.1-20.0mm in shell length were $56.3\%$ and $60.0\%$, respectively, and $100\%$ for the clams >25. mm. The sex ratio of individuals >15.1 mm in shell length was about 1:1 $(\chi^2= 0.02,\;p>0.05)$. Number of the eggs released from each clam by the induction increased as the size of clam in terms of shell length increased. Mean number of the eggs from the second induction of the spawning was $75.35-84.30\%$ $(average\;79.81\%)$ of the number of the eggs released in the first spawning. Our data indicated that R. philippinarum in Komso Bay has one major spawning peak with over two minor spawning, and the interval of each spawning was estimated to be approximately 15-17 (average 16.5) days.

• Korean Journal of Ecology and Environment
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• v.45 no.2
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• pp.190-199
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• 2012

The reproductive ecology of an endangered species, Gobiobotia macrocephala (Pisces: Cyprinidae), was investigated in the Seom River, a tributary of the Han River drainage system, from March 2010 to February 2011. During the non-spawning season, no difference in the external morphology was observed between males and females; however, during the spawning season, clear differences merged for the depth and width of the body, preventral length and preanal length in the standard length. The sex ratio of females to males was 1 : 1.01. The spawning season was estimated to last from late April to middle of June, at water temperatures of $15{\sim}25^{\circ}C$. The number of mature eggs in the ovary averaged about $2,134{\pm}930$ (mean${\pm}$SD), and the mean diameter was approximately $0.88{\pm}0.04$ mm. The spawning area was composed of pebble and cobble bottoms (3~10 cm), with current velocities of 13~24 cm $s^{-1}$ and water depths of 12~18 cm. Spawning behavior between males and females was observed in a water tank 14~15 h after injecting females with Ovaprim to promote reproduction. Fish spawned near the water surface with monogamous pairing.

• Parasites, Hosts and Diseases
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• v.23 no.2
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• pp.230-235
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• 1985

The metacercariae of an echinostomatid fluke were detected from a freshwater 6sh, Odontobutis obscura interrupta caught from the Seom river system, Wonseong-gun, Kangwon-do, and experimentally infected into rats to obtain the adult worms for the species identification. A total of 32 metacercariae was detected from 10 fishes (27.8%) out of 36 O. obscura interrupta caught from the river. The average size of metacercariae was $153.4{\times}149.0{\;}{\mu}{\textrm{m}}$. Also, it was uniquely specific that thickened membrane was formed around the metacercarial cyst wall. The rats orally infected with those metacercariae were sacrificed 20 days after infection to get the adult worms. The mean length and width of the adult worms were 0.75 cm and 0.13 cm, respectively. The number of collar spines on circumoral disk was 26 to 28, and the end group spines at lateral sides of the oral sucker were 4 on each side. The echinostomatid flukes observed in this study were all identified as Echinostoma hortense according to the morphologies of the cirrus sac, ovary, vitellaria and testes of the adult worms and the shape of eggs. On the other hand, O. obscura interrupta is one of the fresh-water fish that are preferably eaten raw by the rural inhabitants. Although no human case of 5. hortense infection by eating O. obscura interrupta has been experienced yet, the possibility is strongly suggested in this study.

• Korean Journal of Environment and Ecology
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• v.36 no.4
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• pp.381-389
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• 2022

This study investigated the ecological characteristics of Microphysogobio yaluensis at Dugye Stream of Geum River basin from January to December 2021. The river bed structure of this species' habitat was rich in pebbles and gravel. The water depth ranged from 12 to 85 cm with an average of 23 cm, which was shallow. The stream velocity was rapid at 1.03±0.34(0.72-1.47) m/sec. The ratio of females to males was 1:0.86. The age according to the total length-frequency distribution as of summer (June, July) indicated that the group with less than 50 mm (30.4-49 mm) in total length was one year old, the group with 50-69 mm was two years old, and the group over 70-92 mm was three years old. Both male and female fish sexually matured at 50 mm long and two years old in June and July. The spawning season was from July to August, and the water temperature was between 25.8℃ and 28.2℃ during the period. The prosperous spawning season was July. The matured eggs were yellowish and spherical with a mean diameter of 0.52±0.16 (0.33-0.77) mm, and the average number of eggs found in the ovaries of mature female fish was 2,593 (1,343-4,672). As for the food of M. yaluensis, only attached algae, which grow by attaching to stones and gravel of the stream rapids, were identified. The feeding habit of M. yaluensis was reported to be herbivorous, ingesting Cyanophyta, Chlorophyta and Bacillariophya. Also, the species belonging to Bacillariophya and Chlorophyta were abundant in Dugye Stream.

• Korean Journal of Ichthyology
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• v.20 no.4
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• pp.248-254
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• 2008

Olive flounder (Paralichthys olivaceus) is one of the most popular farmed fish in Korea. Genetic variability of the fish was investigated by means of microsatellite DNA markers. All of the 8 microsatellite loci were analyzed in this study. For the confirmation of genetic variation during a shift in generation, microsatellite variability was compared within the same hatchery strains but produced in different spawning years. When genetic variability of farmed flounders produced in 2006 and 2007 was compared with that of 2003, a marked reduction of genetic variability was observed in the 2006 and 2007 populations. Mean number of alleles per locus and expected mean heterozygosity decreased from 9.75 and 0.796 (in 2003 population) to 7.78 and 0.785 (in 2006 population), respectively. Moreover, we have observed the distortion of allele frequency. These results show that reduced genetic variability of farmed olive flounder in processed generation has lower numbers of alleles and genetic variability than these of wild fish. Our results suggest that to have a sustainable aquaculture of this species, there is need for scientific broodstock management based on genetic variation and more intensive breeding practices to improve genetic diversity and to avoid detrimental inbreeding effects.

• Journal of Environmental Impact Assessment
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• v.23 no.4
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• pp.271-284
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• 2014

The objectives of this research were to analyse the microhabitat of Cobitis choii which is designated as an endangered fish species (I) and national monument species in Korea (No. 454), and provide valuable information of suitable replacement habitat in the future for a conservation of the population with rapid decreases by environmental pollution. Sampling and microhabitat analysis in three streams such as Baekgok, Yugu and Gap Stream, known as one of the least habitats in Korea showed that the mean number of Cobitis choii observed was 2.6. This result indicated that the richness was too low, so the species conservation was very urgent. Optimal physical microhabitat of the population was determined as environmental conditions with > 60% sand with 1 mm particle size, optimal water depth of 20 - 60 cm in the habitats, and the optimal current velocity of < 0.4 m/s. Under the circumstances of the microhabitat, optimal water volume (discharge) was 0 - 2 m3/s in the each sectional analysis and this reach was mainly composed of the stream section with intermittant slow runs and pools. These microhabitats were largely disturbed by physical modifications of habitat and chemical pollutions due to direct influences of nutrient-rich water inputs from the urban area and intensive agricultural pollutants. For these reasons, optimal habitat replacement are required in the future for the conservation of the species.

• Korean Journal of Ecology and Environment
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• v.42 no.3
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• pp.364-373
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• 2009

We evaluated stream health, based on integrative approaches of qualitative habitat evaluation index (QHEI), chemical water quality and the index of biological integrity (IBI) using fish assemblages in Daejeon Stream during August 2004 - October 2007. The QHEI values in this study averaged 78.2 (n=28, range: 47$\sim$124), indicating "fair" condition based on the criteria of US EPA (1993). The highest value was in the headwater site (S1) that was 112 (good), whereas the value in S3, mid and downstream was SS (fair-poor) that was the lowest owing to a disturbance on the bed and an artificial bank. Concentrations of chemical parameters such as BOD, TP and conductivity increased from the upstream to the downstream due to higher inputs of organic matters and nutrients from the urban area. Conductivity and TP showed a dilution of stream water by rainwater during summer monsoon. Analysis of fish compositions showed that total number of species was 24 and Zacco platypus was predominated (82%). The mean IBI was 17 (range: 12$\sim$30) during four years and the IBI values also decreased from S1 to S4. These results indicated that ecological health was degradated distinctly as the stream goes down through the city-center. We concluded that Daejeon Stream running through the city are influenced by chemical impact such as an influx of domestic sewage as well as the quality of habitat.

• Korean Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences
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• v.22 no.3
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• pp.129-137
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• 1989

Sand fish, Arctoscopus japonicus (Steindachner) is distributed in the coastal waters of East Sea of Korea, Japan, and Alaska. On December 1, 1987, matured adult of sand fish were collected from the shore of Ok-kye, Myongju-gun, Kangwon-do, Korea. The authors carried out artificial insemination on boat. The fertilized eggs were incubated and the larvae were reared in laborato교. The eggs of this species were demersal and adhesive, and their diameter were varied within $3.1\~3.4$mm (mean 3.3 mm, n= 10). They have a number of small oil globules. The spawned eggs in nature were formed the egg mass which were measured ca. 4 m in dia-meter. The hatching took place in 65 days after fertilization at the water temperature of $8.7\~12.3^{\circ}C$. The newly hatched larvae were $8.5\~10.2$ mm in total length with 11 (abdominal) +40 (caudal) = 51 myomeres. 24 days after hatching, the larva attained 19.4 mm in total length, at this time the larvae absorbed the yolk completely, and become postlarvae. 32 days after hatching, the larva attained 23.4 mm in total length, and become juvenile. 56 days after hatching, the juvenile reached 29.9 mm in total length and had adult form. 5 spines of preopercle bone were formed at 24.4 mm in total length. At ca. 15 mm in total length, the form of the pectoral fin was transformed into the adult form.

• Korean Journal of Ichthyology
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• v.25 no.2
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• pp.65-73
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• 2013

Egg development and early life history of the Korean spine loach, Iksookimia pumila was investigated to provide basic information regarding biological characteristics and restoration. Adult fish were sampled using spoon net in the Baek Stream, Sangseo-myeon, Buan-gun, Jeollabuk-do, Korea, 7 July 2010. Eggs and sperms were obtained from the females and male with Ovaprim injecting (0.5 mL/kg) and then fertilized using the dry method in the laboratory. Number of spawned eggs were 1,107 (352~1,440). Spawned eggs were slightly adhesive, light yellowish coloring and measured $1.3{\pm}0.04$ mm (mean${\pm}$SD) in diameter. Spawned eggs hatched out 52 (47~55) hours after fertilization at water temperature of $23^{\circ}C$, and newly hatched larvae an average were $4.7{\pm}0.14$ mm in total length. At 5 days after hatching, larvae averaged $7.1{\pm}0.20$ mm in total length and their yolk sacs had been completely absorbed. Beginning at 17 days after hatching, fish entered the juvenile stage and reached $11.0{\pm}0.50$ mm in total length. At 100 days after hatching, the band patterns and external form of juvenile fish were similar to those of adults, and they averaged $31.3{\pm}3.98$ mm in total length.