| Brachymystax tsinlingensis | |
|---|---|
Scientific classification  | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Actinopterygii |
| Order: | Salmoniformes |
| Family: | Salmonidae |
| Genus: | Brachymystax |
| Species: | B. tsinlingensis |
| Binomial name | |
| Brachymystax tsinlingensis Li, 1966 | |
| Synonyms | |
Brachymystax lenok tsinlingensisLi, 1966 | |
Brachymystax tsinlingensis, also known as the Qinling lenok, [1] is a species of salmonid.
Brachymystax tsinlingensis was originally described as a subspecies of B. lenok being B. l. tsinlingensis by Li Sizhong, being differentiated by lower counts of rakers etc. [2] But with the author only referencing two specimens, it was later synonymized in 1984 with B. l. lenok. However, in 2015, a study revised the taxonomy and not only revived it but upgraded it to species status. [2]
Brachymystax tsinlingensis has been show to yield high genetic diverstiy. [3]
The specific name tsinlingensis is derived from its native range in the Qingling mountains. [2]
Brachymystax tsinlingensis has an elongated body, a compressed caudal peduncle, blunt head, large rounded eyes, a short anterior nostril, a large gill opening, and the body being brown with a white belly with black spots dotted around. [2] It can be distinguished with other species, with lack of spots on the operculum, 15 to 20 gill rakers, 98 to 116 lateral-line scales and 60 to 71 pyloric caeca. [2] The eggs are measured 1 to 1.5mm in diameter. [1]
This species lives in the cold-water rivers of Qinling mountains in China, and South Korea. [1] [2] [4] It lives in mountainous rivers up to 900 to 2300m, and prefers shallow swift streams or deep pools. [1] [2]
Brachymystax tsinlingensis reaches sexual maturity in under 2 years. [1] During breeding season which occurs in February and March, B.tsinlingensis spawn in shallow streams under 10 °C. [1] [2] When under heat stress, the species goes under apotosis and ferroptosis, which may allow it to survive. [5] B. tsinlingensis feeds on insects including, ladybugs and gadbees, as well as small fish. [1]
The population of Brachymystax tsinlingensis has decreased due to environmental pressures, human activities, and overfishing. [1] In 1997 in Xushui river, there were an estimated 50,000 individuals. [1] The species occurs in various protected areas such as some in Heihe River region. [1] Captive breeding of this species has also proven to be successful. [1]
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