Pungitius kaibarae
(5cm)
* Endangered Species
* upper left - Individual from East Sea slope, Myeongpa Creek
upper right - Nakdong River drainage, Keumho River
lower - Yangsan Fault Region, Hyeongsan River
Habitat : Pungitius kaibarae lives in clear and richly vegetated pool with low current or still waters in streams, drains, and lagoons, ranging from a few to 100m wide. These habitats usually have luxuriant plants growth, and of which shore is also typically richly vegetated. This species occasionally occurs in rice paddies near lagoons or streams. Feeds mainly on small invertebrates.
Range: Now endemic to South Korea(Northeastern Coast, Keumho River of the Nakdong River drainage, Hyeongsan and Taehwa River). Previously occurred in western Japan where the species has been extirpated from.
Threats : Revetment constructions and dredging are main threats. Although this species is widely distributed in north region of the East Sea coast, populations from most habitats are decreasing rapidly. Sewage, pesticides, and polluted sediments appear to be threats to populations near the cities, livestock farmlands, or factories. Three different types of this species have been described by Dr. Chae, Byeong-soo (National Institute of Environmental Research), based on analysis of morphological data. Two of them, Keumho River(a tributary to Nakdong River) and Hyeongsan River populations, are now in great need of protection.
Conservation action : No report on conservation management plan. Some researchers and hobbists are breeding and raising this species on small scale.