By Fang Jingyi
According to the recent edition of ZooKeys, a peer-reviewed scientific journal, Chinese researchers have discovered Opsariichthys iridescens in Hangzhou’s Lin’an district, which is known for its abundance of freshwater fish species.
Opsariichthys iridescens has been described from the Qiantang and Oujiang Rivers in Zhejiang Province and a tributary of the Yangtze River adjacent to the Qiantang River. They live in the headwaters of streams with moderate flow velocities and clear water, with small to medium-sized pebbles and boulders in the substrate. Their bodies are brightly colored, with males displaying more intense coloration than females. Ten to thirteen irregular blue-green crossbars are separated by pale crossbars on their flanks.
According to the research findings, the new species stands out from its closely related species due to a genetic difference of more than 14%. Yang Jinquan, a professor at Shanghai Ocean University, explained that these stream-dwelling fish play a key role in nutrient cycling and river purification by serving as food for waterfowl and other animals. He also emphasized the importance of protecting these fish to maintain the balance of aquatic ecosystems.