Habitat features of dwarf loach, kichulchoia brevifasciata (Pisces: Cobitidae) from korea in a conservative perspective

The small cobitid fish Kichulchoia brevifasciata, a Korean endemic found in the extreme southwestern part of the Korea, lives in small streams of 5-65 cm in depth, with pebble bottoms with some sands and slow water currents. The habitat is shared with Zaceo koreanus, Rhynchocypris oxycephalus, Rhinogobius brunneus, Liobagrus mediadiposalis, Misgurnus anguillicaudatus, Gymnogobius urotaenia and Tridentiger brevispinis. A mark and recapture experiment showed that the population density is 11.1/m²in the major habitat. Habitat destruction and stream modification are major threats to the continued existence of the species. Special protection status as an endangered species is urged, with special emphasis on habitat conservation and local conservation awareness.