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A new species of rare goby has been discovered in isolated creeks! NSYSU calls for habitat conservation

2025-01-14

Te-Yu Liao, Dean of the College of Marine Sciences and Distinguished Professor in the Department of Oceanography at National Sun Yat-sen University (NSYSU), along with his research team, supported by a grant from the National Science and Technology Council, have identified a new goby species in the creeks of Taiwan and northern Luzon Island in the Philippines. The fish exhibits a unique swimming motion resembling the wing-flapping of a hummingbird and has been named Stiphodon chlorestes, commonly known as the "Green Hummingbird Goby," sparking discussions and raising significant awareness about the conservation of isolated creeks habitats.

 

The research project, entitled "Habitat assessment and restoration indicators development for isolated creeks-using three creeks in the northeast coast as examples," played a key role in the discovery. Doctoral student Wei-Cheng Jhuang from the research team explained that this new species was actually first recorded in northern Taiwan in 2012. However, due to the improper preservation of specimens at that time, it could not be officially named. Through the collection of more samples from Taiwan and the Philippines for detailed study, the team finally unveiled the mystery of this goby and officially described it.

 

Stiphodon chlorestes displays a striking appearance, with an olive-green body and a metallic blue sheen on the head of the males. Its sides are adorned with a row of oval-shaped, black-brown bands. The pectoral fins feature distinctive black-and-white spots, while the caudal fin is marked with a short red or orange line resembling a lip print. The fish's rapid pectoral fin movements in water are similar to the wing-flapping of a hummingbird, and its metallic blue and olive-green colors evoke the Chlorestes cyanus, or blue-chinned sapphire, a hummingbird of South America, which inspired its name.

 

"Stiphodon chlorestes is highly selective about its habitat, preferring to inhabit isolated creeks, which are characterized by superior water quality," Te-Yu Liao explained. Stiphodon chlorestes is a small amphidromous goby that spawns in freshwater, with its larvae drifting downstream to estuaries or coastal areas. As juveniles, they return to freshwater to grow and reproduce. These amphidromous fish play a crucial role in estuarine ecosystems as a vital source of nutrients and food. Their presence also serves as a valuable indicator of river ecosystem changes, helping to assess the overall health of aquatic environments.

 

Isolated creeks refer to small, short rivers with limited tributaries, quickly transitioning from mountains to the sea. According to Liao, isolated creeks are habitats for many amphidromous fish, such as pipefish, gobies of the genus Stiphodon, and Tetraroge niger. As research on the biodiversity of isolated creeks fish advances, scholars are discovering an increasing number of new amphidromous species. In addition to Stiphodon chlorestes, the master's student Kuan-Hsun Chen recently published findings on Luciogobius opisthoproctus, also named Taiwan Earthworm Goby, a new species found in the Daxi Creek of northeast Taiwan. These discoveries highlight the unique biodiversity of isolated creeks and emphasize the urgent need to protect these ecosystems.

 

"The survival of amphidromous fish is closely linked to river health and has implications for overall land-use planning," Liao noted. While stream restoration projects and hydraulic structures help stabilize riverbeds and reduce soil erosion, they often lead to stream cementation, obstructing migratory pathways and affecting fish reproduction. Stream restoration projects can also alter hydrological characteristics, particularly during dry seasons when some streams experience subsurface flow, leading to extremely low water levels or complete desiccation, making survival impossible for amphidromous species. Liao urged, "Future river engineering projects on isolated creeks must be approached with greater caution, including optimizing sand dams in downstream areas." He also advocated for stronger conservation measures, such as restoring damaged stream habitats, enhancing environmental education, and implementing regulations to curb excessive development. By integrating these comprehensive measures, the ecological protection of isolated creeks can be significantly improved, ensuring the sustainability and stability of this precious Taiwanese ecosystem.

 

References:
Journal link: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/pdf/10.1111/jfb.15852
Journal link: https://zookeys.pensoft.net/article/118757/

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