Ryukyu Ayu-fish

Ryukyu Ayu-fish

Ryukyu Ayu-fish transplanted from Amamioshima to Okinawa Islands

English Common Name
Ryukyu Ayu-fish
Scientific name
Plecoglossus altivelis ryukyuensis
Taxonomy
Order: Osmeriformes, Family: Plecoglossidae
Size
About 18 cm
Size Distribution
Okinawa and Amamioshima Islands
Okinawan Common Name
Yaji (in Amamioshima Island)
Okinawa Red List of Threatened Species: Extinct
Japan Red List of Threatened Species: Critically Endangered
This species is a subspecies endemic to Okinawajima and Amamioshima Islands. Compared with nominotypical subspecies that is found in mainland Japan, this species is smaller and thicker. It has bigger scales, less rays on the dorsal fin, and less backbone compared with nominotypical subspecies. Rapid development impacted the environment in Okinawa. The species became extinct after the last observation in 1978. Today, genetic conservation effort on Plecoglossus altivelis ryukyuensis is made after it was transplanted from Amamioshima Island to rivers and dams located in the northern part of Okinawa Island.
Ryukyu Ayu-fish Larvae

Ryukyu Ayu-fish Larvae


※ Please note!
If you are using any fishing gear that possibly can capture Plecoglossus altivelis, or trying to capture P. altivelis ryukyuensis, you need to submit an application for collection permit to the Okinawa Prefecture Inland Waters Fishing Ground Management. It needs to be accepted and approved to be effective. For more information, please refer to their website.
Updated June 2017

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