Eoreumchi

Basic information

Designation

Natural Monument No.259

Category

동식물

Designated year

1978

Location

., 기타— 기타 전국일원

Coordinates

37.292379, 128.541266Kakao address conversion

This English description was machine-translated and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the original Korean text for details.

The Ussuri Bullhead belongs to the carp family and is distributed in the middle and upper reaches of the Han River, Imjin River, and Geum River. It measures 20-30 cm in body length and is characterized by distinct black spots on its body surface. Its body is laterally flattened with a silvery-white base color; the dorsal region is dark brown while the ventral region is pale. The lateral flanks display 7-8 rows of black spots arranged in three columns. It inhabits clear, gravel-bottomed sections of the middle and upper reaches of streams. Except during spawning season, it lives in relatively deep water and feeds on aquatic insects, crustaceans, and small animals. From April to May, during the spawning season, it digs depressions in clear water and lays eggs, constructing towers 5-8 cm high from sand and gravel to prevent egg loss. Recently, it has been disappearing due to indiscriminate capture by humans, and its population has declined due to deteriorating water quality in its native streams. The Ussuri Bullhead is a species endemic to Korea, sensitive to environmental changes with a limited distribution range; therefore, it is designated and protected as a Natural Monument to prevent extinction.

Location