Threatened fishes of the world: Trachidermus fasciatus Heckel, 1837 (Cottidae)

Abstract

Common name: Roughskin sculpin. Conservation status: Not in IUCN Red List; Listed as critically endangered in Category II of the National Key Protected Wildlife List and in China Red Data book of Endangered Animals-Pisces (Yue and Chen 1998). Identification: D VIII-IX/18–20, A 16–18, P I/17–18; Pectoral fin fan-shaped; Caudal fin truncate. Depressed body; Head large; Mouth large; Protruding upper jaw and largest spine on pre-operculum; Pseudobranch present; No scale (Right to illustration held by Kim Ik-Soo). Distribution: Distributed along southern and western coasts of Korean Peninsula, eastern coast of China, and rivers flowing into Ariake Bay on Kyushu Island of Japan (Norio et al. 2002). Habitat and ecology: Benthic, catadromous and carnivorous, feeding on zooplankton, fish and shrimp. Juveniles occur in freshwater lakes and rivers; adults enter estuaries and sea during reproductive season. Euryhaline (0∼32‰) indicates flexibility for reproduction and early life (Kinoshita et al. 1999). Reproduction: Age at first maturity is 1 year. Spawning sites locate in intertidal zone with oyster reefs. When water temperature reaches 4–5°C, spawn in empty shells of oyster or bivalve during February to March (Takeshita et al. 1999). Eggs adhesive, 1.48∼1.58 mm in diameters. Absolute fecundity 5,100∼12,800 eggs∙fish (Wang 1999). Threats: Wild populations have seriously declined since 1970s mainly due to the destruction of natural habitats and spawning sites, as well as overfishing and lack of regulation for sustainable fisheries. Conservation action: China has established protected areas (Wendeng, Shandong province), and investigated habitat requirements. Japan and South Korea studied spawning nests, distribution and life history. Conservation recommendations: Since most populations disappear in traditional habitats (Zhuang et al. 2006), long term protection of the remaining population should be ensured. Industrial water in coastal areas should be treated before discharge and further research needed to access the feasibility of fish passage construction around dams. Environ Biol Fish (2009) 86:63–64 DOI 10.1007/s10641-007-9318-2