Distribution and Morphology of the Salangid Fish, Neosalanx reganius

Abstract

Distribution of the salangid fish, Neosalanx reganius Wakiya et Takahasi was investigated in the rivers around Ariake Sound which is located in western Kyushu. They were only found in the Chikugo River and the Midori River located about 50 km apart from each other and were regarded to be endemic to those rivers. They inhabit the tidal area of the downstream occurring mainly in fresh water, although some are found in the waters having low seawater concentration near the mouth of the rivers. Morphological examination revealed no meristic difference, but some statistically significant differences in the body proportions between the two populations indicating their entire isolation from each other.