Tackle Trade World - March 2024

NEWLY DISCOVERED FRESHWATER FISH IN
TAIWAN, CHINA
Yushan is the highest mountain in Taiwan, China, and
an ecological treasure house. Here, there are many rare
animals and plants, one of which is a freshwater fish that
can only be seen in Yushan in the world, that is Yushan
Hemimyzon.
Yushan Hemimyzon is a small and slender fish, about 5
centimeters in length, with many white dorsal spots on
its body, like stars in the sky. The pattern and number of
their dorsal fin rays are different from other rock-climbing
loaches, and are a unique morphological feature. The
"Hemimyzon" in their name comes from the fact that
they like to shuttle between rocks in streams and use their
sucker-shaped mouths to firmly adhere to the rocks to
resist the erosion of the water.
Yushan Hemimyzon is a very picky fish. They can only live in very clear, stable, low-temperature mountain streams, and
are very sensitive to changes in water quality and quantity. They are mainly distributed in the waters of Nanzixian Creek
and Linong Creek in the upper reaches of Gaoping Creek in Yushan Park. They are the most distinctive alpine fish species
unique to Taiwan in the streams in the park at the southern foot of the main peak of Yushan.
Yushan Hemimyzon is a newly discovered fish species that has not been officially named until recently. The Yushan Park
Management Office entrusted the research team of Professor Chen Yixiong of the Institute of Marine Biology of Taiwan
Ocean University to conduct a survey of fish and crustacean ecological resources in the streams of Yushan Park. discovered
and described during planning. This is an important scientific achievement and an achievement of ecological conservation.
It shows that the water system and forest ecological resources of Yushan Park are well preserved and have not been damaged
or polluted by humans.
Yushan Hemimyzon is not only a beautiful fish, but also an important ecological indicator. Their existence represents the
stability and diversity of alpine stream ecosystems, and is also an important lifeline for maintaining the ecological stability
of mammals or reptiles in the riverside zone. Their disappearance may mean deterioration of water quality or quantity, or
invasion or competition from other organisms, posing threats and impacts to the entire ecosystem.
Local organizations call on the public to cherish and protect Yushan Hemimyzon and the alpine stream environment they
inhabit. Abide by the park's management regulations, do not throw away garbage at will, do not catch or feed wild animals
without authorization, do not destroy or pollute water sources, and reduce interference and impact on the park's ecology.
Only in this way can Yushan Hemimyzon, a unique alpine gem in Taiwan, continue to shine in the stream.