Korea Spotted Barbel of Geumgang River

The Korea spotted barbel (eoreumchi) is a fish species endemic to Korea belonging to the carp family, distributed in the middle and upper reaches of the Hangang, Imjingang and Geumgang rivers. It measures 20–30cm in length and is characterised by seven to eight rows of black spots running horizontally across its body. It inhabits areas with clear water and gravel beds in the middle and upper reaches of rivers, feeding on aquatic insects, crustaceans and other small animals. In April and May it digs a pit in clean water in which to lay its eggs, and to keep the eggs from being lost, it builds a mound of sand and gravel 5–18cm high over them. The Korea spotted barbel was long thought to live only in the Hangang River, but in 1972 it was discovered to also inhabit the middle and upper reaches of the Geumgang River. The fact that the species lives in both the Hangang and Geumgang rivers provides important evidence that the two rivers were once connected. The Geumgang River marks the southern limit of the range in which this species, endemic to the Korean Peninsula, can survive, giving it great academic importance. It is at risk of extinction from indiscriminate catching and water pollution, and is therefore designated and protected as a natural monument.

AI Translation

Where it is

Region

Okcheon, Chungbuk

Designation

Natural Monument · 천연기념물