Chinese scientists discover new freshwater fish species in Yangtze River basin

Chinese researchers have identified a new freshwater fish species in Zhangjiajie, located in Central China's Hunan Province, further enriching the biodiversity records of the middle reaches of the Yangtze River, reports China Daily, a partner of TV BRICS.

Since 2021, a research team from Jishou University and the Zhangjiajie Giant Salamander National Nature Reserve has been carrying out surveys and long-term monitoring of fish resources in the Lishui River basin in Sangzhi County. During the fieldwork, scientists collected specimens of an Acrossocheilus fish displaying distinctive morphological characteristics in streams in the upper reaches of the river.

Using a combination of classical morphological analysis and molecular biology, the researchers confirmed that the specimens represented a previously unknown species, clearly differing from all recognised members of the Acrossocheilus genus. The new species has been named Acrossocheilus zhangjiajiensis after its type locality.

Acrossocheilus is a genus of small hillstream fish widely distributed across southern China and other parts of Asia, typically inhabiting clear, fast-flowing mountain streams. Before this discovery, five species of the genus had been recorded in Hunan Province.

The findings increase the number of valid Acrossocheilus species worldwide to 25. The type specimens are currently housed in the Molecular Ecology Laboratory at Jishou University's Zhangjiajie Campus, where they will support future scientific research.

According to the research team, the discovery not only broadens knowledge of freshwater fish diversity in Hunan Province and the Yangtze River basin but also indicates that the mountain river systems of the Wuling Mountains may contain additional undocumented freshwater species. The findings are expected to contribute to future biodiversity research and conservation initiatives.