Abstract:

Aims: Located in the mid-lower reaches of the Yangtze River, Chizhou City is recognized as one of the biodiversity hotspots both in China and the globe. Research on fish diversity in this region remains relatively limited. Significant revisions in fish taxonomy within the Yangtze River Basin in recent years—including new species described, old species resurrected, and changes in generic-level classifications—have resulted in a lack of systematic research of the fish diversity in this area. To this end, seasonal field surveys of fishes into major tributaries of Yangtze River in Chizhou were conducted to update the fish species checklist of Chizhou from September 2023 to September 2024. 

Methods: Due to the complexity of the habitat types, numerous sampling methods were employed to collect fish specimens. Gill nets and cages of various sizes were prepared for each habitat type to capture fish. Also, fish were collected from the markets in the study area to ensure that sufficient specimens were available. This study updated the fish species checklist of Chizhou by integrating field surveys, historical records, and recent taxonomic revisions for relevant fish groups. 

Results: The updated checklist comprised 136 species belonging to 15 orders, 32 families, and 80 genera, including 134 native species and 2 non-native species. Cypriniformes dominated the taxonomic composition, with Xenocyprididae and Gobionidae being the most species-rich families. Seventeen newly recorded species (including 1 non-native taxa) were identified. Taxonomic alterations involved the removal of 20 outdated records and revisions for 24 valid species. Fifty historically documented but uncollected species have unique ecological preferences such as migratory species, rheophilic species, shellfish-dependent species during field surveys. 

Conclusion: The species diversity of freshwater fish in Chizhou faces severe threat due to anthropogenic impacts. The updated checklist underscores gaps in historical data accuracy, and provides fundamental data for sustainable resource management and biodiversity conservation strategies in Chizhou, supporting informed decision-making for fisheries development and ecological restoration initiatives.

Key words: freshwater fishes, species checklist, biodiversity, taxonomy, Chizhou City