Freshwater fish biodiversity in the Leizhou Peninsula of China

Abstract

Leizhou Peninsula is located in the Indo-Burma biodiversity hotspot. However, information about freshwater fish species in this peninsula is very scarce. Based on surveys and a literature review, a total of 100 freshwater fish species (92 native and eight non-native) within seven orders, 21 families and 70 genera, have been recorded in the Leizhou Peninsula. Four species, Mud Carp (Cirrhinus molitorella), common carp (Cyprinus carpio), South Sharpbelly (Pseudohemiculter dispar), and Helmet Catfish (Cranoglanis bouderius) are listed as threatened species in red list of IUCN. Sand mining, aquaculture pollution, non-native aquatic species, and overfishing are the greatest threats to freshwater fish biodiversity of Leizhou Peninsula. For better sustainable development, conservation efforts should be focused on the establishment of protected areas, improvement of sustainable fishery management and control of non-native species. This study provides management recommendations that will be useful for freshwater fish biodiversity conservation and fishery management in Leizhou Peninsula.