National Heritage Cheong Releases 2,000 Natural Monument Eoreumchi Fish into Geumgang River

Nationally Protected Species of Endangered Wildlife Class II

On the 26th, the Cultural Heritage Administration will release 2,000 juvenile Eoreumchi fish into the Geum River area in Geumsan-gun, Chungnam Province.

The Eoreumchi is a nationally protected species designated as a Natural Monument and a Class II endangered wild species. It inhabits the middle and upper reaches of large rivers with clear water and gravelly bottoms. Its total length is about 20 to 40 cm. The front part of its body is cylindrical, but it becomes laterally flattened toward the rear. There are black spots on the sides of its body. It mainly feeds on aquatic insects.

In Korea, Eoreumchi live in the Geum River, Han River, and Imjin River, among others. In particular, the Geum River is considered a valuable research area as it serves as the southern limit line where Eoreumchi reside.

The Eoreumchi being released this time were artificially hatched through breeding and conservation research. A Cultural Heritage Administration official stated, "We will continue to cooperate with related organizations to preserve the Eoreumchi, enhance biodiversity in the Geum River area, and restore the health of the ecosystem."

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