Abstract

Common name: Silvery white fish (English). Figure from Chu and Chen (1989). Local name: Xiao Bai Yu (Chinese). Conservation status: Endangered – China Red Data Book of Endangered Animals, Pisces (Yue and Chen 1998); Anabarilius alburnops is one of the critically endangered fishes in Lake Dianchi (24°28′– 25°28′ N, 102°30′–103°00′ E, 1,886 m above sea level), Yunnan, China. Identification: Lateral line curved markedly downward above pectoral fin; lateral line scales 76–81. Gill raker count is 43–50 (Regan 1914; Chu and Chen 1989; Chen 1998). Distribution: Endemic to Lake Dianchi and probably found in Songhuaba reservoir in Yunnan Province. Abundance: This species was very common in Lake Dianchi prior to the mid-twentieth century. The population started to decline throughout the lake during the 1970s (Yue and Chen 1998), and is now very rare in the lake. No specimens had been collected from the lake until three individuals were observed in DaYu village (24°50′ 36.06′′ N, 102°45′59.86′′ E), Chenggong County in August 1999. Habitat and ecology: Anabarilius alburnops lives in the middle and upper layers of the water column and feeds on various food items; mainly aquatic insects, plankton and plants (Chu and Chen 1989; Chen 1998; Yue and Chen 1998). Reproduction: It becomes sexually mature after one winter; eggs are adhesive (Yue and Chen 1998). Threats: Its loss from the lake is thought to be due to introduced fish species, deterioration of water quality, loss of macrophytes (in part due to grass carp), and over-fishing; as well as loss of breeding sites due to siltation and blocked access. Conservation recommendations: Destructive fishing practices should be strictly prohibited (Yue and Chen 1998). The conservation status of A. alburnops can be improved through effective habitat protection, increased public awareness, and long-term monitoring and surveys. Environ Biol Fish (2008) 83:505–506 DOI 10.1007/s10641-008-9373-3

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