This study investigated the characteristics of fish communities and distribution of endangered species in the mid-upper reach of Geumgang River, Korea, from September to October 2021. A total of 17,177 fish of 11 families and 46 species were collected from 13 survey stations during the survey period. The dominant species was Zacco koreanus (relative abundance of 17.45%), and the subdominant species was Z. platypus (16.73%), followed by Acheilognathus koreensis (8.49%), Hypomesus nipponensis (8.27%), Pungtungia herzi (7.28%), Coreoleuciscus splendidus (6.80%), Gobiobotia brevibarba (6.58%), Pseudopungtungia nigra (4.67%), A. yamatsutae (3.77%), G. macrocephala (3.38%), and Rhinogobius brunneus (3.04%). Among the collected fish species, 21 (45.65%) were identified as Korean endemics, and two exotic species, Lepomis macrochirus and Micropterus salmoides, were also observed. There were six species of endangered species that were designated by the Ministry of Environment (Class I: P. nigra and Liobagrus obesus; Class II: G. brevibarba, G. macrocephala, Hemibarbus mylodon, and Coreoperca kawamebari). H. mylodon is also a natural monument designated by the Korea Heritage Service. The cluster analysis showed that the dominance index was low, while the diversity and richness indices were high, indicating a stable and healthy fish community. The mid-upper reach of Geumgang River has a well-conserved and diverse aquatic environment and is inhabited by many endangered species and natural monuments. Therefore, continuous attention and systematic management are required.

This study conducted morphological and molecular phylogenetic analyses on three presumed natural interspecific hybrids of the genus Sarcocheilichthys, collected from the main stream of the Seomjin River and its tributary, Dongbokcheon Stream, as well as their parent species, S. nigripinnis morii and S. variegatus wakiyae, to identify whether they are natural hybrids and to determine their maternal and paternal species. The results of the molecular phylogenetic analysis clearly demonstrated that the three presumed natural hybrids are indeed natural hybrids of S. nigripinnis morii and S. variegatus wakiyae, with S. nigripinnis morii identified as the maternal species and S. variegatus wakiyae as the paternal species. The three natural hybrids exhibited intermediate or unique morphological traits that were not biased towards either parent species, and distinct morphological characteristics were observed in the dorsal fin and caudal fin. In the water bodies where the natural hybrids were collected, a variety of Acheilognathinae species and spawning hosts coexisted alongside the parent species S. nigripinnis morii and S. variegatus wakiyae. It is presumed that the overlapping spawning periods and locations of S. nigripinnis morii and S. variegatus wakiyae promoted the occurrence of hybrids. The unidirectional occurrence of natural interspecific hybridization is attributed to interspecific competition and population imbalance, and the sneaker behavior of S. variegatus wakiyae males was proposed as an important mechanism.

Current distribution of Korean Cottus pollux was investigated by conducting field surveys and environmental DNA analysis in September to November 2022 and March to May 2023. As a result of the field survey, the presence of C. pollux was confirmed in the uppermost stream of Hyeongsangang River, as well as in Deokdongcheon, Jeolgolcheon, and Hoamcheon Streams. The main habitat of C. pollux was the riffle area in the upper reaches of streams with clean water and boulder-cobble bottoms. As a result of environmental DNA analysis, the samples determined to be positive included all streams in which the presence of C. pollux was confirmed in the field survey. In addition, Namcheon and Singwangcheon Streams were determined to be positive, indicating potential as its habitats. Since C. pollux has a narrow distribution area and a small population size, continuous monitoring and conservation measures are required to immediately respond to damage caused by typhoons and river works, which are the main causes of habitat disturbance, in order to maintain a stable population.