A Preliminary Review of Literature on Fishes and Freshwater Environments in Yang Ming Shan National Park, Taiwan

Abstract

We reviewed the literature on fishes and freshwater environments in Yang Ming Shan National Park, Taiwan, in order to identify information gaps and set future research priorities. Twenty-four species of fishes have been documented in the park, 14 native and 10 introduced or invasive. The native fish fauna of the park is dominated by cyprinids, cobitids, and gobiids. Freshwater environments were classified as lotic, lentic, and geothermal. Lotic environments were characterized by small drainage areas, short main channel lengths, and high gradients. Lentic environments varied but were typically small in surface area and depth and often seasonal. Geothermal environments provided little potential habitat for fishes. The potential impacts of introduced or invasive species and factors limiting diversity and distribution of fishes in the park are discussed. Directions for future research on the fish fauna of the park are recommended.