The NEF Bio-ecological Nature Conservation Projectin Mountainous Region of North Vietnam
FINAL REPORT FOR 2018-2021
FISH GROUP

Table of contents
1. GENERAL INFORMATION…………………………………………………………….7
1.1 Member of the project ...................................................................................................... 7
1.2 Group name with leader ................................................................................................... 7
2. RESEARCH……………………………………………………………………………….7
2.1 Abstract ............................................................................................................................. 7
2.2 Background of the study................................................................................................. 10
2.3 Literature review ............................................................................................................ 11
2.3.1 Natural features of the stud area…………………………………………………...112.3.2 Overview of study sites……………………………………………………………..8
2.4 Group’s purpose and subjects ............................................................................. ………13
2.5 Materials and methods.................................................................................................... 14
2.5.1 In the field ................................................................................................................ 14
2.5.2 Methods used in the lab ........................................................................................... 25
2.6 Results ............................................................................................................................ 29
2.6.1 Fish diversity and distribution in 4 protected areas ................................................. 29

12.6.2. Endangered species and species of conservation value .......................................... 42
2.6.3. Species newly recored in the study areas ................................................................ 42
2.6.4. Morphometrics of S. namxamensis, N. benasi and R. similis ................................. 44
2.6.5. Length weigth relationship and condition factor .................................................... 52
2.6.6. Ecological and conservation aspects ....................................................................... 62
2.6.7. Natural and socio-economic context and main human impacts/threats on biologicalgroup ................................................................................................................................. 65
2.7 Discussion ...................................................................................................................... 67
2.7.1 Comparison of fish diversity in four river basins .................................................... 68
2.7.2 LWR and K of an exotic goby fish, R. similis.......................................................... 74
2.8 References ...................................................................................................................... 79
2.9 Publications and products ............................................................................................... 86
3.1 Guiding principles for education and training………………………………………..87
3.2 Achievement of each young scientist…………………………………………………...87
4. APPENDICES…………………………………………………………………………….89

2

Table of tables
Table 1. Sampling sites at the four study sites in 2018 to 2021. ........................................................... 19
Table 2. Details of DNA analysis of Rhinogobius from northern Vietnam ........................................... 29
Table 3. BLAST results. ........................................................................................................................ 31
Table 4. Sequenced results of Neolissochilus sp. collected from Bac Me NR and Nam Xuan Lac
HSCA, northern Vietnam. ..................................................................................................................... 34
Table 5. A list of fish collected in the four protected areas, northern Vietnam. .................................... 35
Table 6. Number of genera and species in each family of fish collected .............................................. 40
Table 7. Biodiversity indices of fish species composition in 4 nature reserves (5 areas) ..................... 41
Table 8. Similarity coefficient of fish species composition in 5 areas .................................................. 41
Table 9. List of some species newly recorded in the study sites ........................................................... 43
Table 10. Measurements of Sineleotris namxamensis from northern Vietnam ..................................... 44
Table 11. Fin rays and scale counts of S. namxamensis ........................................................................ 45
Table 12. Morphometric variables vs. total length (TL) (all measurements were transformed tologarithmic scale before computation) of wild female and male S. namxamensis................................ 46
Table 13. Morphometry of Neolissochilus collected from three protected areas .................................. 47
Table 14. Meristics characters of Neolissochilus collected from three protected areas. ....................... 48
Table 15. Morphometrics of Rhinogobius spp. collected from three protected areas, northern Viet Nam.
.............................................................................................................................................................. 49
Table 16. Counts and proportional measurements of Euchiloglanis nami sp. n. .................................. 51
Table 17. Length, weight range and regression coefficient of wild Sineleotris namxamensis over the
sampling period..................................................................................................................................... 52
Table 18. Monthly changes of length, weight range and regression coefficient of Rhinogobius similis
amongst in the Red River and Lak Lake in Highland ........................................................................... 59
Table 19. Spatial variation of length, weight range and regression coefficient of Rhinogobius similis in
Vietnam. ................................................................................................................................................ 60
Table 20. Difference of length, weight range and regression coefficient of Rhinogobius similis
between habitats. ................................................................................................................................... 61

3

Table 21. Some examples of fish distributional patterns in different areas in the three areas in the
period of 2019 to 2020 surveys ............................................................................................................. 64
Table 22. Information on fisher and fishing based on the interviews with fishers in the Cham Chu NR.
and Bac Me NR..................................................................................................................................... 65
Table 23. Fish distribution in different river basins in Phia Oac-Phia Den (2020) ............................... 68
Table 24. A list of fish collected in the four protected areas belonging to four river basins ................. 70
Table 25. Biodiversity indices of fish species composition in 4 protected areas and 4 river basins ..... 73
Table 26. Similarity coefficient of fish species composition in 4 river basins ...................................... 74

4

Table of figures
Figure 1. Four sites for ichthyofauna studies in northern Vietnam. ...................................................... 15
Figure 2. Sampling sites for ichthyofauna study in Cham Chu NP (Tuyen Quang Province) in 2018and 2019 ................................................................................................................................................ 16
Figure 3. Sampling sites for ichthyofauna study in Bac Me NP (Ha Giang Province) ......................... 17
Figure 4. Sampling sites for ichthyofauna study in Phia Oac-Phia Den NP (Cao Bang Province) ...... 17
Figure 5. Sampling sites for ichthyofauna study in Nam Xuan Lac HSCA (Bac Kan Province) ......... 18
Figure 6. Measurement and counting of a goby (Modification from Nakabo, 2002) ........................... 25
Figure 7. Measurement and counting of a catfish (Modification from Kang et al., 2016) ................... 26
Figure 8. Measurement and counting of mahseer (Modification from Rainboth, 1996) ...................... 26
Figure 9. The setting for phylogenetic trees construction using MEGA X Software ........................... 28
Figure 10. The nucleotide alignment of 13 samples sequences. ........................................................... 32
Figure 11. Phylogenetic tree of the collected specimens based on partial cytB sequence data. ........... 33
Figure 12. Phylogenetic tree of selected samples and Rhinogobius species based on partial cytB
sequencing data. .................................................................................................................................... 34
Figure 13. Diagram of similarity in species composition in 5 study areas. .......................................... 42
Figure 14. Head lateral line system of Rhinogobius douspilus from Phia Oac - Phia Den, Cao Bangprovince ................................................................................................................................................ 49
Figure 15. Condition factor (K) between female and male of Sineleotris namxamensis. ..................... 53
Figure 16. Length weight relationship of Gambusia affinis from Tuyen Quang and ........................... 54
Figure 17. Length weight relationship of Rhinogobius from Nam Xuan Lac HSCA ........................... 54
Figure 18. Variation of condition factor of Rhinogobius similis among locations in Vietnam. ............ 55
Figure 19. Monthly variation of condition factor of Rhinogobius similis collected from Red river,
Hanoi, Vietnam. .................................................................................................................................... 56
Figure 20. Seasonal variation in condition factor of Rhinogobius similis collected from Lak Lake and
Red River, Hanoi, Vietnam ................................................................................................................... 56
Figure 21. Sexual variation in condition factor of Rhinogobius similis collected from Hoa Binh Lakeand Red River, Hanoi, Vietnam. ........................................................................................................... 57

5

Figure 22. The effect of sex-season interaction on the change of condition factor of Rhinogobius similis
collected from Red River, Hanoi, Vietnam .............................................................................................. 58

Figure 23. Variation of condition factor among different habitats of Rhinogobius similis in Vietnam. 58
Figure 24. Number of species according to average elevation in the three areas in the period of 2019
to 2020 surveys. .................................................................................................................................... 63
Figure 25. Diagram of similarity in species composition in 4 river basins........................................... 74

6

1. GENERAL INFORMATION
1.1 Member of the project
Tran Duc Hau, Ngo Sy Van, Ta Thi Thuy, Hoang Anh Tuan, Chu Hoang Nam, Tran Trung
Thanh, Nguyen Quang Huy, Pham Van Hau & Nguyen Trong Nghia
1. 2 Group name with leader
Fish Group. Leader: Tran Duc Hau, PhD.; email: hautd@hnue.edu.vn
Reporting person(s)1. Tran Duc Hau, PhD., Associate Professor.
2. Ngo Sy Van, MSc; email: nsvan@ria1.org
3. Ta Thi Thuy, PhD.; email: ttthuy@daihocthudo@edu.vn
4. Tran Trung Thanh, PhD; email: thanhichthyes@gmail.com
5. Nguyen Quang Huy, BSc; email: huynqbio.hnue@gmail.com
6. Dang Thi Thanh Huong, BSc; email: dangthithanhhuong2000@gmail.com

2. RESEARCH
2.1 Abstract
This is the final report of an ichthyofauna research in notthern Vietnam, which has been
funded by the Nagao Natural Environment Foundation, Japan. This project attempts toelucidate the diversity, community structure and the distribution of the ichthyofauna in thekarst forests of northeastern Vietnam based on morphological and molecular data; and to
examine some biological characteristics of several fish species in the study site. The present
study also indicates the importance of fisheries as well as conservation status of these animals
in the study site. In addition, the project will help to strengthen the professional capacity ofyoung researchers in ichthyology in Vietnam. One master student and four students from
Hanoi National University of Education will involve in this study in order to complete theirmaster and bachelor degrees.

7Eight field surveys were conducted from October 2018 to November 2021 in northern
Vietnam: two field trips in Cham Chu Nature Reserve (NR) of Tuyen Quang Province, twofield trips in Bac Me NR of Ha Giang Province, two field trips in Phia Oac-Phia Den
National Park (NP) of Cao Bang Province, and two field trips in Nam Xuan Lac Habitat andSpecies Conservation Area (HSCA) of Bac Kan Province. Taxonomic identification was
based on morphological and molecular characteristics. The role of fisheries for local residents
and status of fisheries resources were collected from the interview. Also, conservation
concerns were evaluated based on direct observation in the field and interview with local
authorities and residents.
Ichthyofauna: Based on laboratory analysis and direct observation in the field, a total of 75
species or more in 25 families and 8 orders were recorded from four study sites innortheastern Vietnam. Importantly, one new species was discovered from Phia Oac-Phia Den
NP, Euchiloglanis nami sp.n., and many of them were unidentified species, which need to befurther checked. In Cham Chu NR, a total of 49 species or more were obtained and all ofthem were new records for the study site. In Bac Me NR, a total of 39 species or more were
documented, with many additional records for the study site. There were 19 species or morein Phia Oac-Phia Den NP (Cao Bang Province), and 24 species or more were obtained fromNam Xuan Lac HSCA (Bac Kan Province). The Cypriniformes were the most diverse with 8families (accounting for 38%) in Bac Me NR, 7 families (accounting for 41%) in Cao Duong,and 6 families (accounting for 40%, 46% and 38%) in Phu Luu, Phia Oac-Phia Den NP and
Nam Xuan Lac HSCA.
According to the IUCN Red List, four species classified as VU level occurring at sites: CaoDuong, Bac Me NR, Phia Oac-Phia Den NP. In Bac Me NR, Phia Oac-Phia Den NP, Nam
Xuan Lac HSCA areas, there was also species Onychostoma gerlachi as NT level and thespecies Pseudohemiculter dispar only found in Cao Duong. The species Rhinogobius lineatus
as EN was found in Nam Xuan Lac HSCA. Vulnerable species are distributed mainly in Cao
Duong, followed by Bac Me NR, Phia Oac-Phia Den NP with 1 species.
The present study provides morphometrics of S. namxamensis, N. benasi and R. similis,
which will be useful data for further studies on identification.
The b was higher than the isometric value of 3, indicating that S. namxamensis revealed apositive allometric growth, which implies the high adaptability of the species to theenvironment in the surveyed areas. It also shows that R. similis is positive allometric growth8

(b > 3) and the condition factor (K) value is 1, indicating that this species is well adapted tothe environmental conditions across northern Vietnam.
Several results of interviewees in the four areas reveal that fish were quite an importantsource of protein for the local community. Almost all interviewees recognized that income
from aquatic products from the two rivers had been declining rapidly. The rates of decline
during the past five and ten years ranged from 32-50% to 45-79%, respectively.
Some differences could be found among interviewed sites. In Cham Chu NR, many
interviewees agreed that destructive gears used to catch fish is the reason to reduce thefishery resources, followed by the over-exploitation, introduced fish species, deforestation
and water pollution, which are the two most important reasons in Bac Me. In Bac Me, thetourism activity is a different reason from the Cham Chu NR. However, interviewees from
Cham Chu NR and Nam Xuan Lac HSCA said that fisheries production has recently
recovered because destructive gears are forbidden and the awareness of local people toprotect the resources is increasing.
Education and training:
Chu Hoang Nam, a PhD student and Nguyen Trong Nghia, a master student of the
Hanoi National University of Education, could be trained in sampling, fixation,
photography, identification and making report.
Tran Trung Thanh PhD, a young researcher, from the University of Science, Vietnam
National University, Hanoi, could learn about studying on freshwater fishes.
Nguyen Quang Huy, an undergraduate student, from Hanoi National University of
Education, used materials from Cham Chu NR for his bachelor thesis.
Vu Trung Hieu, an undergraduate student, from Hanoi National University of
Education, used materials of Rhinogobius from the study site for his bachelor thesis.
Nguyen Le Hoai Thuong, a master student of Hanoi National University of Education,
has used the collection of Rhinogobius specimens from northeastern Vietnam for her
master thesis. Her master course was completed in the middle of 2022.
Duong Thi Huyen, an undergraduate student, from Hanoi National University of
Education, will use materials of Parazzaco from the study site for her bachelor thesis.

9

Nguyen Minh Thuy, an undergraduate student, from Hanoi National University of
Education, will use materials of Gambusia affinis from the study site for her bachelor
thesis.
Conservation concern: Data about species richness, new findings and conservation value offish species from Cham Chu NR, Bac Me NR, Phia Oac-Phia Den NP and Nam Xuan Lac
HSCA indicate an important role of limestone karst forests in biodiversity conservation innorthern Vietnam. Based on this data, local authorities and decision makers can develop a
conservation plan for each species and an appropriate operational program for each nature
reserve. In the study sites, four species listed in the IUCN Red List should be priority to beprotected. They are Leptobotia elongata, Cyprinus carpio, Pseudohemiculter dispar, andOreochromis mossambicus. Especially, Rhinogobius lineatus as EN level needs to be further
studied. Among four study sites, several sampling sites in Cham Chu NR and Bac Me NR
should be in priority of conservation because vulnerable species are mainly reported fromthese two areas.
The project delivers several proposed recommendations for biodiversity conservation andplanning. Firstly, further identification of unknown species should be done to have a full
picture of species composition of fish in the study sites. Next, workshops with local residents
and local authorities about fish diversity and fisheries resources will increase their awarenessof conservation. Further investigations into the impacts of exotic fish species on native
ecosystems will be important to propose a suitable conservation planning. Last, applying
remote sensing will take in advantage to have a map for conservation.
Publications: As a result of our research, we published one paper on national conference inVietnam, a new species for science was submitted and another manuscript using materials of
Rhinogobius was accepted to publish in journal Acta Zoologica Bulgarica. Several papers
will be published in the near future using the present study materials.
2.2 Background of the study
Tropical rain forests are recognized as ideal natural laboratories for taxonomic, natural history,
and bio-geographic research (Dirzo & Raven 2003). Vietnam contains a large proportion oftropical rain forests, which are mainly located on high mountains in the northern part of thecountry and Truong Son Range. A wide range of elevations and the complexity of landforms
have given the montane region a great diversity of natural habitats and a high level of
biodiversity (Sterling et al. 2006). At present, a total of 700 species of freshwater fish have10

been recorded in Vietnam (Tran et al., 2013). However, previous works on ichthyofauna
indicate that many unidentified taxa still remain, and have problem in taxonomy, whichshould be further investigated.
The NEF Bio-ecological Nature Conservation Project in Mountainous Region of North
Vietnam aims to explore the biodiversity and evaluate the conservation potentials of
limestone karst forests of northeastern Vietnam. As a part of this project, the fish groupintends to evaluate the species diversity, distribution pattern and conservation value of fish infour target protected areas, namely Phu Luu and Cao Duong commune in Cham Chu NR(Tuyen Quang Province), Bac Me NR (Ha Giang Province), Phia Oac-Phia Den NP (CaoBang Province) and Nam Xuan Lac HSCA (Bac Kan Province).
2.3 Literature review
2.3.1 Natural features of the study area
Northern Vietnam has a high diversity in geology and environment, with a mixture of granite
and limestone, uplands and delta, jagged peaks and humid lowlands, which is a potential tohave high biodiversity. This diversity reflects northern Vietnam’s position near theintersection of the tropical and subtropical zones and the biotic influence of threebiogeographic units: Indochina, south China, and coastal Indochina (Sterling et al., 2006).
More importantly, there are several river basins in northern Vietnam, such as the Red River
including the Lo and Gam tributaries and Thai Binh River, which flow through different
topographic features, making the difference in aquatic environments.
The limestone mountains in the North of Vietnam are considered as one of the biodiversity
hotspots. However, the data on fish here are very poor. In the context of increasing
biodiversity losses, more comprehensive studies, including several regions, are required.
Together with studies on economic and social aspects, this study will allow making a full
assessment of the status of biodiversity as well as the pressures on the ecosystem.
2.3.2 Overview of study sites
Cham Chu Nature Reserve
Cham Chu was established under Decision No. 1536/QĐ-UBND dated 21/09/2001 of thePeople's Committee of Tuyen Quang. The geographical coordinates of the NR from11

22○14’17” to 22○21’307’’N, and from 104○53’27” to 105○14’16”E. The protected area with a
total of 15,902.1 hectares is located in the five communes: Yen Thuan, Phu Luu in Ham Yen
district, Ha Lang, Trung Ha and Hoa Phu in Chiem Hoa district. There are 29,703 persons
belonging 6,832 families of eight groups people living in the Cham Chu NR. The most grouppeople are Tay with about 15,522 persons, Dao with 7,343 persons, and Kinh with 4,749
persons. Almost local peoples are living based on agriculture and forestry.
There is no data on ichthyofauna and fisheries status in this study site until now.
Bac Me Nature Reserve
Bac Me NR was established under Decision No. 648/QD-UBND dated November 24, 1994
of the People's Committee of Ha Giang Province with a total natural area of 9,016.3 hectares.
The Nature Reserver is located in the three communes: Lac Nong, Minh Ngoc and Thuong
Tan in Bac Me district. The geographical coordinates according to VN2000 of the protectedarea are from 22○38’59” to 22○45’47’’N, and from 105○07’40” to 105○16’35”E.
In this study site, there are two river basins, the Gam and Lo Rivers. In a review paper,
Nguyen and Vo (1999) reported a total of 70 species, but they did not provide the samplingsites. Hence, it can be said that data on fish in Bac me NR still needs to explore.
Phia Oac - Phia Den National Park
Phia Oac - Phia Den National Park was established under Decision No. 57/QD-TTg of thePrime Minister, signed on January 11, 2018. The special mission is conservation of 90
threatened plant species. Phia Oac - Phia Den National Park has a total natural area of
10,593.5 hectares in 5 communes, Thanh Cong, Quang Thanh, Phan Thanh, Hung Dao andTinh Tuc town of Nguyen Binh district, Cao Bang Province.
There is no data on ichthyofauna and fisheries status in this study site until now, thoughNguyen (2018) make a list of fish from Bang Giang River, since a small part of this river
basin is present in Phia Oac – Phia Den National Park.
Nam Xuan Lac HSCA
Nam Xuan Lac SHCA was approved by the People's Committee of Bac Kan province inDecision No. 342/QD-UB dated March 17, 2004, with a total natural area of 1,788 hectares,12located on the two Na Da and Ban Khang villages, Xuan Lac commune, Cho Don district,
Bac Kan Province.
There is no data on ichthyofauna and fisheries status in this study site until now.
2.4 Group’s purpose and subjects
Purpose
Purpose and subjects
1. This project aims to explore the diversity, the community structure and distribution of
the ichthyofauna in the karst forests of northeastern Vietnam based on morphologicaland molecular data; and to examine some biological characteristics of several fish
species in the study site;
2. The present study also indicates the importance of fisheries as well as conservation
status of these animals in the study site;
3. In addition, the project will help to strengthen the professional capacity for young
researchers in ichthyology in Vietnam. Five students from Hanoi National Universityof Education will involve in this study in order to complete their master and bachelor
degrees.
Objectives
Specific objectives of this study are:
1. To evaluate the species diversity of fish in karst forests of northeastern Vietnam.
2. To understand distribution of fish species in different areas and river basins.
3. To examine biological traits of several fish species, which will be fundamental
information for conservation;
4. To determine the importance of fisheries as well as conservation status of theseanimals in the study site.
5. To provide essential data for biodiversity conservation of the region. Based on the
results of our surveys and referred to the published literature we will define the hot
spots for the ichthyofauna conservation in northern Vietnam.
Subjects
13

Fish diversity value: Focussing on species diversity and their distribution.
Biological characteristics of some species.
Importance of fishery resources and conservation status.
Training: The research assistants were trained in the field work and in laboratory, especiallyin fixation, taking photos, data analysis and identification.
2.5 Materials and methods
2.5.1 In the field
Sampling sites
Eight field surveys were conducted in Tuyen Quang Ha Giang, Cao Bang, and Bac Kan
provinces in the three years, from October 2018 to November 2021 (Figs. 1-5). Because two
field trips in Cham Chu NR were conducted in different areas (Phu Luu and Cao Duong), thisreport will present ichthyofauna separately.

- Trip 1 from 24 to 31 October 2018 in Cham Chu Nature Reserve, Phu Luu
Commune, Ham Yen District, Tuyen Quang Province.

- Trip 2 from 19 to 26 April 2019 in Cham Chu Nature Reserve, Cao Duong Village,
Yen Thuan Commune, Ham Yen District, Tuyen Quang Province.

- Trip 3 from 5 to 12 July 2019 in Bac Me Nature Reserve, Minh Ngoc, Thuong Tan,
Lac Nong communes, Bac Me District, Ha Giang Province.

- Trip 4 from 24 to 31 December 2019 in Bac Me Nature Reserve, Minh Son andMinh Ngoc communes, Bac Me District, Ha Giang Province.

- Trip 5 from 23 to 30 July 2020 in Phia Oac-Phia Den National Park, Nguyen Binh
District, Cao Bang Province.

- Trip 6 from 23 to 30 July 2020 in Nam Xuan Lac Habitat and Species Conservation
Area, Cho Don District, Bac Kan Province.

- Trip 7 from 5 to 12 May 2021 in Phia Oac-Phia Den National Park, Nguyen Binh
District.

- Trip 8 from 5 to 12 November 2021 in Nam Xuan Lac, Cho Don District.

14

Figure 1. Four sites for ichthyofauna studies in northern Vietnam.

15

Figure 2. Sampling sites for ichthyofauna study in Cham Chu NP (Tuyen Quang Province) in2018 and 2019. All these sampling sites belong to the Lo river basin.

16

Figure 3. Sampling sites for ichthyofauna study in Bac Me NP (Ha Giang Province)in 2019. All these sampling sites belong to the Gam river basin.

Figure 4. Sampling sites for ichthyofauna study in Phia Oac-Phia Den NP (Cao Bang
Province) in 2020 and 2021. Sampling sites DO-01-04, DO-06 are in the Gam river basin, and therest in Bang Giang river basin.

17

Figure 5. Sampling sites for ichthyofauna study in Nam Xuan Lac HSCA (Bac Kan
Province) in 2020 and 2021. Sampling sites NXL2-6 are in the Lo river basin, and the rest in Thai
Binh river basin.

18

Table 1. Sampling sites at the four study sites in 2018 to 2021.
Site

N

E

Elev.
(m)

Habitats

Field trip 1 from 24th to 31st October 2018 in Tuyen Quang Province
P1

22°12'37"

105°03'28"

198

Narrow stream inside the forest; medium
speed current; gravel and sandy bottom;
both the sides fringed by plantP2

22°12'39"

105°03'32"

175

Upper reach of Kieng stream inside theforest; large; strong speed current; gravel,sand, and aquatic plant such as mosses inbottom; both the sides fringed by plant

P3

22°12'38"

105°03'35"

176

Upper reach of Kieng stream inside theforest; large; strong speed current; gravel,
sand and aquatic plant such as mosses inbottom; both the sides fringed by plant

P4

22°12'38"

105°03'39"

180

Upper reach of Kieng stream inside theforest; large; strong speed current; stone,sand and aquatic plant such as mosses inbottom; both the sides fringed by plant;
near a dam

P5

22°13'12"

105°02'44"

145

Narrow branch of Kieng stream flowing
into Stn. P2, 3, 4; medium speed current;
small pits on the bottom

P6

22°13'38"

105°02'56"314

Large and inflow caveP7

22°13'24"

105°02'56"

197

Narrow, turbid and medium speed current
stream flows through orange farm into the
Kieng stream

P8

22°13'21"

105°02'59"

189

Narrow, turbid and medium speed current
stream flows through orange farm into the
Kieng stream

P9

22°12'36"

105°03'52"

239

Narrow stream near the orange farm in theforestP10

22°12'38"

105°04'03"

341

Waterfall in the forest, strong current.
Water body was green tea color andcomposed by some layer

P11

22°12'39"

105°02'58"

106

Kieng stream; near the center of commune;
large stream flows through the orange
farm, gravel, sand, aquatic plant such as
mosses in bottom, both the site fringed by
plant

P12

22°10'01"

105°00'51"

64

Local market near the People's Committeeof Phu Luu Commune

19

P13

22°10'16"

105°00'45"

17

Medium stream flows through the orange
farm; muddy and sandy bottom; slow
current

P14

22°10'26"

105°00'26"

22

Medium stream; sandy bottom; slow
current; 15-20 km from the campP15

22°12'05"

104°59'29"

36

Medium stream near the residential
compound; sandy bottom composed somedepth (0-1 m) pits; slow current

P16

22°10'52"

105°01'27"

42

Narrow stream belongs to the Kieng
stream system; near the road (from
People's Committee to the camp); both thesides fringed by plant; slow current; sandy
and muddy bottom; following a dam

P17

22°12'38"

105°03'10"

165

Kieng stream near the camp; large; graveland sandy bottom

P18

22°13'02"

105°02'39"

140

Large stream near the cave flows into the
Kieng stream; medium speech current;
bottom with some depth pits

Field trip 2 from 19th to 26th April 2019 in Tuyen Quang Province
P1

22°17'44"

104°59'32"

610

Small stream, low water current, sandy
bottom, shallow water. Fringed bysecondary forest, shrubs

P2

22°15'41"

104°59'16"

662

Xuan Nhay stream
Small stream, slow water current, sandymuddy bottom with larger stones.
Secondary forest, aquatic plants. Smallponds.

P3

22°17'29"

104°59'29,2"

648

Water caveP4

22°17'22,3"

104°56'10,4"

61,2

Yen Thuan market

P5

22°19'12,4"

104°58'29"

672

Nam Huc stream
Small stream, slow water current, sandymuddy bottom, with large stones. The sides
fringed by shrubs, bamboo forest

P6

22°18'9,6"

104°59'14,6"725

A reservoir, with 1 km length and 100
widths.

P7

22°13'32,2"

104°57'59,2"

84

Minh Khương market

P8

22°17'38,2"

104°56'26,3"

54

Yên Thuận stream
Large stream, medium water current gravelbottom, water grass

P9

22°16'13"

104°59'34"

678

Xuân Nhảy stream, another branch. Manyaquatic plants, large stone and water cavity.
Above with water fall, clear water

20

Field trip 3 from 5th to 12th July 2019 in Ha Giang Province
BM0

22°46'241"

105°10'209"

133

Minh Ngoc market (all fish collected fromNa Hang reservoir)

BM1

22°51'551"

105°52'774"

92

Na Hang reservoir in Ha Giang province,
stillness water, fish cage farming

BM2

22°41'001"

105°15'444"

161

Water fall, sandy and rocky bottom,
secondary forests, clear waterBM3

22°40'599"

105°15'272"

156

Quite large stream, lower part with water
fall, rocky bottom and the higher part withpaddy field, quite clear water, nearresidential

BM4

22°41'470"

105°14'401"

133

Large stream, medium speed water current
and sharp rocky at the bottom, clear waterBM5

22°43'335"

105°11'536"

223

Quite large stream, slow water current,
muddy and sandy bottom, with paddy rice
field, quite clear water.

BM6

22°45'120"

105°11'197"

149

Small stream, slow water current, sandy
and muddy bottom, with residential
houses, shallow waterBM7

22°42'665"

105°11'096"

243

Quite large stream, water fall, medium
water current, rocky bottom, both the sides
fringed by plants, clear waterBM8

22°43'201"

105°11'441"

207

Small stream, medium water current, sandy
and gravel bottom, fringed by plants, clear
water

BM9

22°43'121"

105°11'419"

232

Small stream, slow water current, rocky
bottom, fringed by shrubs, clear waterBM10

22°43'044"

105°11'308"

238

Small stream, water fall, rocky and muddy
bottom, inside forest, clear waterBM11

22°45'355"

105°14'744"

208

Small stream, medium water current,
gravel bottom, quite high turbidity, oneside with paddy field and the other one
with shrubs

Field trip 4 from 24th July to 31st December 2019 in Ha Giang Province
BM5

22°43’335”

105°11’536”

223

Quite large stream, slow water current,
muddy and sandy bottom, with paddy rice
field, quite clear water.

BM7

22°42’665”

105°11’096”

243

Quite large stream, water fall, medium
water current, rocky bottom, both the sides
fringed by plants, clear waterBM11

22°45’355”

105°14’744”

208

Small stream, medium water current,
gravel bottom, quite high turbidity, one

21

side with paddy field and the other one
with shrubs
BM12

22°46’132”

105°10’211”

121

Large stream, medium water current,
gravel and sandy bottom, some ponds next
to the main course, with rice field.

BM13

22°45’365”

105°14’796”

325

Narrow stream, medium speed current,
gravel and stone bottom, very clean water,
both the sides fringed by plants

Field trip 5 from from 20th to 27th May 2020 in Cao Bang Province
DO.01

22°44’181”

105°13’038”

1062

Narrow stream, medium speed current,stone and sandy bottom. Places where
fishes collected were slow water current in
the rice field, next to aquaculture pond

DO.02

22°35’197”

105°51’903”

1005

Narrow stream inside the forest; medium
speed current with sandy bottom, and someparts with high speed current in stone andgravel bottom; both the sites fringed byplantsDO.03

22°36’555”

105°52’083”

1603

Narrow stream inside the forest; medium
speed current; gravel and sandy bottom;
both the sites fringed by plants, next to theTungsten mine. No fish

DO.04

22°37’300”

105°52’489”

1202

Narrow stream inside the forest; highspeed current; stone and sandy bottom;
both the sites fringed by plants. No fish

DO.05

22°39’289”

105°55’339”

503

Wide stream near the local village;
medium speed current; gravel, muddy andsandy bottom, next to the aquaculture pond

DO.06

22°32’708”

105°51’422”

686

Narrow stream next to local residents;
medium speed current; gravel, muddy andsandy bottom.

DO.07

20°34’731”

105°55’407”

762

Wide stream inside the forest; medium
speed current; gravel and sandy bottom.

DO.08

22°32’53”

105°54’03”

741

Narrow stream inside the forest; medium
speed current; gravel bottom.

DO.09

22°38’378”

105°50’339”

1008

Narrow stream next to rice field; medium
speed current; gravel, sandy bottom. No
fish

DO.10

22°39’599”

105°52’710”

726

Wide stream next to main road; slow speed
current; gravel sandy bottom, next to the
Cao Bang Tungsten mine. No fish

DO.11

22°39’599”

105°52’709”

1281

Narrow stream inside the forest; slow

22

speed current; gravel, stone bottom. No
fish
Field trip 6 from 23rd to 30th July 2020 in Bac Kan Province
NXL.0122°17'35.292''

105°31'2.717''

760

Ponds in a valley, swamp, corn field

NXL.0222°14'7.638''

105°30'38.507''

342

Narrow stream, slow speed current, gravel,
muddy bottom.

NXL.0322°16'45.210''

105°28'49.884''

531

Narrow stream inside forest, medium
speed current, gravel, sandy bottom.

NXL.0422°16'13.949''

105°29'3.690''

514

Narrow stream next to the corn field,
medium speed current, gravel, sandy
bottom.

NXL.0522°15'24''

105°29'13''

NXL.06

NXL.0722°12'58.271''

22°20'37.115''

105°29'26.429''

105°33'0.972''

Narrow stream next to agricultural land,high speed current, gravel, stone bottom.
277

Wide stream next to local resident, falls,
stone bottom, some stillness water withmuddy bottom.

307

Narrow stream next to the local residents
and agricultural land, medium speed
current,
Narrow stream in the core zone of theprotected area, stillness water, muddysandy bottom

NXL.08 22°18'23.1839'' 105°29'31.818''

Wide stream inside the forest, medium
speed current, gravel and stone bottom.

NXL.0922°19'42.623''

105°31'29.957''

NXL.1022°17'36.720''

105°33'26.244''

Narrow stream, medium speed water,
gravel and sandy bottom.

NXL.1122°17’370”

105°33’260”

Wide stream, rain, high speed current,
gravel bottom.

Field trip 7 from from 5th to 12th May 2021 in Cao Bang Province
DO-01

22.59291o

105.85365o

1062

Narrow stream, medium speed current,stone and sandy bottom. Places where
fishes collected were slow water current in
the rice field, next to aquaculture pond.

DO-02

22.58666o

105.86500o

1005

Narrow stream inside the forest; medium
speed current with sandy bottom, and someparts with high-speed current in stone andgravel bottom; both the sites fringed byplants.

DO02A

22.58241o105.86557o

967

Narrow stream next to the ricefield andponds; slow speed current with sandy
bottom23

DO-0622.54510o

105.85658o

686

Narrow stream next to local residents;
medium speed current; gravel, muddy andsandy bottom.

DO-07

22.58033o

105.92156o

762

Wide stream inside the forest; medium
speed current; gravel and sandy bottom.

Field trip 8 from 5th to 12th November 2021 in Bac Kan Province
NXL.03 22016’14”

105o29’02”531

Wide stream, rain, high speed current,
gravel bottom.

22o15’22”

105o29’20”466

Narrow stream, medium speed water,
gravel and sandy bottom.

NXL.06 22o12’53”

105o29’25”

277

Wide stream inside the forest, medium
speed current, gravel and stone bottom.

NXL.07 22o20’04”

105o34’54”

307

Narrow stream next to the local residents
and agricultural land, medium speed
current.

NXL.09 22o19’45”105o31’27”

281

Wide stream inside the forest, medium
speed current, gravel and stone bottom.

NXL.10 22o21’57”

105o32’48”

181

Narrow stream, medium speed water,
gravel and sandy bottom.

22o17’37”

105o33’26”

306

Wide stream, rain, high speed current,
gravel bottom.

NXL.05

NXL.11Fish collection and fixation
Fish were collected by hand nets, casting nets and gill nets during day time. Specimens
caught by local people or collected from local markets were also used for the study.
Specimens were initially fixed in 10% formalin solution in the field, and subsequently
preserved in 5% formalin in the laboratory. About three days later, they were transferred in
to 70-80% ethanol solution and stored in the lab. For molecular study, muscle and pectoralor pelvic fins were cut when fish were still alive and preserved in 99% ethanol, and storedin suitable conditions.
Specimen photography
We conducted underwater observations to observe their natural life and take photographs.
After collection, some fish were taken photos through a small transparent aquarium.
Preserved specimens were put in a tray and photographed in daylight. We additionallyprepared a light system at the night time or in a dark place. Photos of some fish in four
protected areas are present in appendices 1 and 2.
Interviews
Interviews with questionnaires from local people and fishers were carried out from 18
interviewees for Cham Chu NR, 18 for Bac Me NR, 02 for Phia Oac-Phia Den NP and 624

for Nam Xuan Lac HSCA. Interviews with questionnaires about role, status, exploitationand protection of fishery resources in the area were made with local people and fishers
who have had good experiences in fishing at the site. The questionnaire (Appendix 1) was
designed partly according to previous literatures (e.g. Toi et al. 1996, Hori et al. 2006, Tranand Ta, 2014).
We carried out the following activities for the above surveys: issuing questionnaires incombination with interviews with fishers or local residents in the research; organizing
some gatherings of interviewees and chairing the discussion in each area.
2.5.2 Methods used in the lab
Observation, Measurement and Counting. Measurements followed main documents ofichthyology and using a binocular microscope for small fish and a caliper for large
specimens. Measurements and counting are different from fish groups (Figs. 6-8).

Figure 6. Measurement and counting of a goby (Modification from Nakabo, 2002)

25

Figure 7. Measurement and counting of a catfish (Modification from Kang et al., 2016)

Figure 8. Measurement and counting of mahseer (Modification from Rainboth, 1996)
HL: head length; PDL: predorsal length; BDA: Body depth at anus; PAL: Preanal length; PPL: Prepelvic length;
LPP: Prepectoral length; LDB: Length of dorsal-fin base; LAB: Length of adipose-fin base; DAD: Dorsal toadipose distance; PAD: Post-adipose distance; ABL: anal base length; LP2: Pelvic-fin length; LP1: Pectoral-fin
length; CPL: caudal peduncle length; CPD: caudal peduncle depth; LC: Caudal-fin length; SnL: Snout length.
Other measurements: ED: Eye diameter; IOW: Interorbital distance; HW: head width at pectoral-fin base; HH:
head height at pectoral-fin base; NBL: Nasal barbel length; MBL: Maxillary barbel length; OMBL: Outer
mandibular barbel length; IMBL: Inner mandibular barbel length. MHW, maximal head width; AO, anal fin origin;
DO, dorsal fin origin; TR, transverse scale series; LR, longitudinal scale rows; PreD, predorsal scale rows; SD1P,
scale series from origin of first dorsal fin to upper pectoral origin.

Identification. Identification was done based on morphology and main documents ofichthyology in Vietnam and nearby areas, including Mai (1978), Chen et al. (1998), Yue et26

al. (2000), Nguyen & Ngo (2001), Nguyen (2005), Kottelat (2001a, b) and several recent
publications. All specimens were deposited in the Department of Zoology, Faculty ofBiology, Hanoi National University of Education, Vietnam.
Classification. The arrangement of orders and families followed Eschmeyer (online
version November 2021), genus and species were ordered alphabetically.
Conservation status of threatened species was referred to the Vietnam Red Data Book
(2007); IUCN Red List (2021); CITES appendices (2019); the Governmental Decree No.
06/2019/ND-CP; and the Governmental Decree No. 64/2019/ND-CP. The endemic speciesof Vietnam are species that currently known only from Vietnam.
Length weight relationship and condition factor. Four species, Sinileotris namxamensis,
Gambusia affinis, Rhinogobius sp. and Rhinogobius similis collected from the study sitewere used to examine length-weight relationship and condition factor.
Data analysis
DNA
DNA sequencing of 18 individuals of Rhinogobius spp. collected from Bac Me, Phia OacPhia Den and Nam Xuan Lac and four specimens of Neolissochilus collected from Bac Me
and Nam Xuan Lac were conducted and compared with available data from gen banks inorder to determine species level.
BLAST: Using Geospiza’s FinchTV software, the DNA sequencing chromatograms areinterpreted to eliminate the baseline noise and obtain more reliable results. The chosensequences are exported in FASTA format. Obtained sequences are individually analyzed
with Nucleotide BLAST using the web platform of National Center for Biotechnology
Information (NCBI) to find regions of similarity between sample sequences and the othersequences published on GenBank Database. “Standard databases” is chosen for the search
set with Megablast in the Program Section. Three out of among received results, whichhave the highest score with 100% query cover and highest identity percent, will be chosen
to be reported.
Phylogenetic trees construction: Based on DNA sequencing and BLAST results,
phylogenetic trees are constructed using MEGA X Software (Molecular Evolutionary
Genetics Analysis). First, all obtained sequences from DNA sequencing are aligned, using
Align DNA function. ClustalW algorithm with default settings is used in creating27

alignments. Then, a Neighbor – Joining phylogenetic tree is constructed (the applied
settings are described on the Fig. 9). Finally, based on obtained BLAST results andconstructed phylogenetic tree, 1 to 2 sequences from each group of samples, which seem to
be most reliable, are chosen to construct a general phylogenetic tree with other 5 mostsimilar species in Rhinogobius genus.

Figure 9. The setting for phylogenetic trees construction using MEGA X Software
LWR and K
The LWR for each species was estimated by the regression equation W = aLb where a andb are parameters of the equation (Le Cren, 1951; Ricker, 1973; Froese 2006). Before
regression analysis, obvious outliers were removed by linear regression of the logtransformed equation (Froese, 2006). In addition, the 95% confidence interval (CI) of theparameters and the statistical significance of the regression relationships (R2) were
calculated and statistically. Fish were divided into isometric (I) growth types if the slope
value was equal to three , positive allometric growth (+A) type if the slope was higher than
three, and negative allometric growth (-A) if the slope was lower than three (Froese, 2006).
The K of the fish was estimated following Le Cren (1951) using the equation K =, where W is the fish weight (g), SL is the standard length (cm), and a and b are theregression coefficients. The K value of each fish group (divided by location, sex,28

developmental stage, and season) was compared with the ideal value of one (K = 1) using a
one-sample t-test, and values were compared among fish groups by t-test, Wilcoxon test, orKruskal-Wallis test depending on the distribution of data and equality of sample sizes
among groups. R software version 4.0.5 was used for statistical analyses (R CORE TEAM
2021); the FSA package was used to perform regression analyses (OGLE et al. 2020) andthe ggplot2 package to produce the figures (WICHKHAM 2016). The level of significant
difference for all statistical tests was set at p < 0.05.
Similarity index: Using of Primer 6 to understand the similarity of ichthyofauna between
areas and river basins.

2.6 Results
2.6.1 Fish diversity and distribution in 4 protected areas
DNA analysis of Rhinogobius spp. collected from northern Viet Nam
Initially, DNA data show that Rhinogobius collected from Nam Xuan Lac HSCA seemedclose to R. virgigena, those from Phia Oac-Phia Den NP as R. duospilus, and from Bac Me
as either R. virgigena or R. duospilus (Table 2). Morphometrics reveals different results
when the population from Bac Me NR is R. mekongianus and that from Phia Oac – Phia
Den NP as R. duospilus. Sequences of these two species are not available on the gen bank.
In addition, Rhinogobius in Nam Xuan Lac HSCA could be identified as R. Lineatus andone unknown species. Hence, we will compare our dataset with those from Japaneseichthyologists to provide exact taxonomic position of these collections. These data areunder preparation for publication.
Table 2. Details of DNA analysis of Rhinogobius from northern Vietnam
BLAST
CytB

SampleNXL 27
NXL 28R-RAG2

Scientific Name

E valuePer. Ident

R. virgigena

2.E-11191.44%

R. duospilus

4.E-108

90.03%

R. cliffordpopei

2.E-7082.99%

R. virgigena

1.E-11795.57%

29

Scientific
Name

E
value

Per.
Ident

NXL 29

NXL 30

DO 35

DO 36

DO 39

DO 39[2]BM 54

BM 54[2]BM 55

BM 55[2]

BM 56

BM 59

BM 60

BM 61

R. duospilus

1.E-11294.46%

R. ogasawaraensis

2.E-7485.98%

R. virgigena

2.E-140

95.33%

R. duospilus

4.E-13794.70%

R. rubromaculatus

7.E-100

87.81%

R. virgigena

4.E-8691.19%

R. duospilus

1.E-7688.65%

R. duospilus

0.E+0096.74%

R. virgigena

0.E+0095.01%

R. changtinensis

0.E+0089.62%

R. duospilus

2.E-156

96.48%

R. virgigena

1.E-152

95.88%

R. changtinensis

1.E-118

89.97

R. duospilus

3.E-71

98.12%

R. virgigena

4.E-6495.60%

R. rubromaculatus

2.E-5291.67%

R. duospilus

1.E-100

97.29%

R. virgigena

7.E-9996.83%

R. changtinensis

3.E-8292.31%

R. duospilus

2.E-11495.79%

R. virgigena

4.E-11195.02%

R. changtinensis

3.E-9391.12%

R. duospilus

2.E-5295.56%

R. virgigena

2.E-5295.56%

R. changtinensis

4.E-4491.85%

R. virgigena

3.E-10394.35%

R. duospilus

3.E-10393.38%

R. changtinensis

6.E-8088.71%

R. virgigena

5.E-157

95.73%

R. similis

5.E-100

97.29%

R. duospilus

2.E-150

94.59%

R. brunnues

2.E-9495.48%

R. changtinensis

2.E-12189.71%

R. kurodai

2.E-93

95.48%

R. duospilus

8.E-5695.74%

R. virgigena

8.E-5695.74%

R. changtinensis

2.E-4792.20%

R. duospilus

2.E-140

95.33%

R. virgigena

2.E-140

95.33%

R. changtinensis

3.E-10989.66%

R. virgigena

2.E-6895.32%

R. duospilus

8.E-6794.74%

R. changtinensis

4.E-6092.40%

R. virgigena

4.E-9695.58%

R. duospilus

2.E-9495.13%

Fusigobius melacron

8.E-7389.38%

30

Blast results
Obtained BLAST results with name of the scientific name of species, E value and identity
percentage are reported in table 3 and Fig. 10.
Table 3. BLAST results.
SampleNXL 27

NXL 28NXL 29NXL 30
DO 35

DO 36

DO 39

BM 54

BM 55

BM 56

BM 59

BLAST Results
Scientific Name

E valuePer. Ident

R. virgigena

2.E-11191.44%

R. duospilus

4.E-108

90.03%

R. cliffordpopei

2.E-7082.99%

R. virgigena

1.E-11795.57%

R. duospilus

1.E-11294.46%

R. ogasawaraensis

2.E-7485.98%

R. virgigena

2.E-140

95.33%

R. duospilus

4.E-13794.70%

R. rubromaculatus

7.E-100

87.81%

R. virgigena

4.E-8691.19%

R. duospilus

1.E-7688.65%

R. duospilus

0.E+0096.74%

R. virgigena

0.E+0095.01%

R. changtinensis

0.E+0089.62%

R. duospilus

2.E-156

96.48%

R. virgigena

1.E-152

95.88%

R. changtinensis

1.E-118

89.97

R. duospilus

1.E-100

97.29%

R. virgigena

7.E-9996.83%

R. changtinensis

3.E-8292.31%

R. duospilus

2.E-11495.79%

R. virgigena

4.E-11195.02%

R. changtinensis

3.E-9391.12%

R. virgigena

5.E-157

95.73%

R. duospilus

2.E-150

94.59%

R. changtinensis

2.E-12189.71%

R. duospilus

8.E-5695.74%

R. virgigena

8.E-5695.74%

R. changtinensis

2.E-4792.20%

R. duospilus

2.E-140

95.33%

R. virgigena

2.E-140

95.33%

R. changtinensis

3.E-10989.66%

31

BM 60BM 61

R. virgigena

2.E-6895.32%

R. duospilus

8.E-6794.74%

R. changtinensis

4.E-6092.40%

R. virgigena

4.E-9695.58%

R. duospilus

2.E-9495.13%

Fusigobius melacron

8.E-7389.38%

Phylogenetic trees construction
Overall, the phylogenetic tree (Fig. 11) showed that there are noticeable differences
between three groups of specimens, as generally each group belong to a separate branch.
The branch with BM61 and NXL30 can be considered as an error due to the baseline noisein their sequencing results, which affects greatly to the tree construction. Besides, the NXL
specimens and DO specimens likely to share more common in comparison to thespecimens of BM group. However, there are inconsistences in the specimens of BM group
position in the tree, hence further analyze should be conducted. Five different alignments
were built to construct phylogenetic trees.

Figure 10. The nucleotide alignment of 13 samples sequences.

32

Figure 11. Phylogenetic tree of the collected specimens based on partial cytB sequence
data.
Finally, based on obtained BLAST results and constructed phylogenetic trees, fivespecimens, which seem to have the most reliable sequencing data, were selected to build aphylogenetic tree in relate to others 5 identified species of Rhinogobius (Fig. 12). The tree
showed that the specimen captured from Phia Oac - Phia Den NP (DO35) has the nearest
relationship with R. duospilus. Otherwise, specimens collected from Bac Me NR (BM 54,
BM 55) and Nam Xuan Lac HSCA (NXL 28, NXL 29) have a high similarity but they still
belong to another branch, which is closely related to R. virgigena. Four specimens of
Neolissochilus collected from Bac Me NR and Nam Xuan Lac HSCA were identified as
Neolissochilus benasi (Table 4). All these data will be published in the near future.

33

Figure 12. Phylogenetic tree of selected samples and Rhinogobius species based on partial
cytB sequencing data.
Table 4. Sequenced results of Neolissochilus sp. collected from Bac Me NR and Nam
Xuan Lac HSCA, northern Vietnam.
No
SiteSpecies
Gen Base (bp) Compared sequence in Gengank
1 Nam Xuan Lac Neolissochilus benasi COI

628

99,68%

2 Nam Xuan Lac Neolissochilus benasi COI

628

99,68%

3

Bac MeNeolissochilus benasi COI

630

99,68%

4

Bac MeNeolissochilus benasi COI

629

99,68%

Ichthyofauna characteristics
Based on the analysis results of 2319 specimens collected in the study area during theperiod from 2018 to 2021, we have built a list of fish in 4 nature conservation areas innorthern Vietnam, with 75 species belonging to 25 families and 8 orders (Table 5). As canbe observed from table 5, there are numerous unknown species, which will require moreinvestigations based on morphometrics and molecular to identify them.

34

Table 5. A list of fish collected in the four protected areas, northern Vietnam.
Study areas
Scientificname
I. Cypriniformes

Vietnamese name

1

2

3

4

IUCN
5

NĐ
26

Bộ Cá Chép

1. Botiidae
12

Leptobotia elongata (Bleeker,
1870)

Cá Chạch cát đốm

2. Cobitidae

Họ cá Chạch

Misgurnus anguillicaudatus(Cantor, 1842)

Cá Chạch bùn

3. Gastromyzontidae

Họ Cá chạch bám

3

Liniparhomaloptera cf.
qiongzhongensis

4

Vanmanenia cf. caldwelli

VU
+

+

+

+

4. Balitoridae

Họ cá Chạch vâybằng

Beaufortia pingi (Fang, 1930)

Cá Bám khuyết pingi

5. Nemacheilidae

Họ Cá Chạch suối6

Schistura spp.

Cá Chạch suối7

Traccatichthys taeniatus(Pellegrin & Chevey 1936)

Cá Chạch cật

6. Cyprinidae

Họ Cá Chép

8

Barbodes semifasciolatus(Günther 1868)

Cá Đòng đong9

Carassius auratus (Linnaeus,
1758)

Cá Diếc mắt đỏ+

10 Cyprinus carpio Linnaeus, 1758

Cá Chép

+11 Garra orientalis Nichols, 1925

Cá Sứt mũi+

5

Neolissochilus benasi (Pellegrin
12 & Chevey, 1936)

Cá Rai13 Neolissochilus sp.

Cá Mi

Onychostoma gerlachi (Peters,
14 1881)Spinibarbus hollandi Oshima,
17 1919

+

+

+

+

+

+

+

+

+

+

+

+

+

+
+

+

VU
I

+

+

+

+
+
NT

Cá Sỉnh gai nhỏ++

Cá Dầm đất

+

+

II

+
+

+
II

Cá Chày đất+

Cá Mại sọc+

7. Danionidae
18 Rasbora steineri Nichols &++Onychostoma lepturus (Günther,15 1896)
Cá Phao
Osteochilus salsburyi Nichols &16 Pope 1927+

35

Pope, 1927
8. Xenocyprididae
Aphyocypris normalis Nichols
19 & Pope, 1927

Cá Dầm suối thường+Chanodichthys erythropterus
20 (Basilewsky, 1855)

Cá Thiểu

+21 Culter flavipinnis Tirant, 1883

Cá Ngão gù+

Hemiculter elongatus Nguyen &22 Ngo, 2001

Cá Vền dài?

Hemiculter leucisculus
23 (Basilewsky, 1855)

Cá Mương xanh+++

Megalobrama terminalis
24 (Richardson, 1846)

Cá Vền+Megalobrama skolkovii
25 Dybowski, 1872

Cá Vền+Metzia formosae (Oshima,
26 1920)

Cá Mại bạc

Opsariichthys minutus Nichols,
27 1926

Cá Cháo thường

28 Parazacco sp.

Cá Chuôn

+

+

+

+

+

+
+

Pseudohemiculter dispar
29 (Peters, 1881)

Cá Dầu sông mỏng+Sinibrama affinis (Vaillant,
30 1892)

Cá Nhác

+Toxabramis houdemeri
31 Pellegrin, 1932

Cá Dầu hồ cao

Toxabramis swinhonis Günther,32 1873

Cá Dầu hồ bằng33 Xenocypris davidi Bleeker, 1871

Cá Mần

+
VU

+
+
+

9. Acheilognathidae
34 Acheilognathus sp.

Cá Thè be++

Acheilognathus tonkinensis
35 (Vaillant, 1892)

Cá Thè be thường

+36 Rhodeus cf. albomarginatus

Cá Bướm

+37 Rhodeus ocellatus (Kner, 1866)

Cá Bướm chấm

+

+

+

10. Gobionidae
Discogobio microstoma (Mai,
38 1978)

Cá Bám sừng39 Discogobio spp.
Gobiobotia meridionalis Chen
40 & Cao, 1977

Cá Đục râu

+

36

+

+

+

+

+

41 Hemibarbus cf. umbrifer

Cá Đục ó lạng sơn+

42 Hemibarbus medius Yue, 1995

Cá Đục ngộ+

Microphysogobio elongatus
43 (Yao & Yang, 1977)

Cá Đục đanh chấmPlacogobio bacmeensis Nguyen
44 & Vo, 2001

Cá Thui

Saurogobio dabryi Bleeker,
45 1871
Squalidus argentatus (Sauvage
46 & Dabry de Thiersant, 1874)+++

Cá Đục đanh đốm++

Cá Đục trắng mỏng++II.Siluriformes

Bộ Cá Da trơn1. Bagridae

Họ Cá LăngHemibagrus centralus Mai,
47 1978+

Cá Lăng quảng bình++Hemibagrus pluriradiatus
48 (Vaillant, 1892)

Cá Lăng đen

Pseudobagrus vachellii
49 (Richardson, 1846)

Cá MầmTachysurus fulvidraco
50 (Richardson, 1846)

Cá Bò đen+51 Tachysurus kyphus Mai, 1978

Cá Mịt tròn+Tachysurus virgatus (Oshima,
52 1926)

Cá Mịt

+

II
+

+
+

2. Sisoridae

Họ Cá Chiên

53 Euchiloglanis sp.

Cá Chiên pớm

Glyptothorax honghensis Li,
54 1984

Cá Chiên suối sôngHồng

3. Siluridae

+

+
+

+

+

+

+

+

Họ Cá Nheo

Pterocryptis cochinchinensis
55 (Valenciennes, 1840)

Cá Thèo

56 Pterocryptis sp.

Cá Niết

57 Silurus asotus Linnaeus, 1758

Cá Nheo++

4. Clariidae
58 Clarias fuscus (Lacepède, 1803)
5. Cranoglanididae
Cranoglanis henrici (Vaillant,
59 1893)
III. Gobiiformes

Cá Trê đen+Họ cá Ngạnh
Cá Ngạnh thường

+Bộ Cá bống1. Odontobutidae
Sineleotris namxamensis Chen
60 & Kottelat, 2004

Cá Bống nhỏ

+

37

+

+

+

3. Gobiidae

Họ Cá bống trắng

Rhinogobius duospilus (Herre,
62 1935)

Cá Bống suối+Rhinogobius honghensis Chen,
63 Yang & Chen, 1999

Cá Bống khe

+

+

+

Rhinogobius lineatus Chen,
64 Kottelat & Miller, 1999

EN+

Rhinogobius mekongianus
65 (Pellegrin & Fang, 1940)

Cá Bống mê kông

61 Rhinogobius similis Gill, 1859

Cá Bống đá+

66 Rhinogobius sp.
IV. Synbranchiformes

Bộ Cá Mang liền1. Mastacembelidae

Họ Cá Chạch sông

Mastacembelus armatus
67 (Lacepède, 1800)
2. Synbranchidae
68 Monopterus albus Zuiew, 1793
V. Anabantiformes

Cá Chạch sông

+

+

+

+

+

+

+

+

+

Họ Lươn
Lươn thường

+

+

+

+

+

+

+

+

Bộ Cá rô đồng1. Anabantidae
Anabas testudineus (Bloch,
69 1792)

Cá Rô đồng+2. OsphronemidaeHọ cá Tai tượng

Macropodus opercularis
70 (Linnaeus, 1758)

Cá Đuôi cờ thường

+3. Channidae
Channa gachua (Hamilton,
71 1822)

Cá Chành dục

VI. Cichliformes

Bộ Cá rô phi

1. Cichlidae

Họ Cá rô phi

Oreochromis mossambicus
72 (Peters, 1852)

VU
Cá Rô phi đen

Oreochromis niloticus
73 (Linnaeus, 1758)

Cá Rô phi vằn

VII.Cyprinodontiformes

Bộ Cá bạc đầu

1. Poeciliidae

Họ Cá ăn muỗiGambusia affinis (Baird &74 Girard, 1853)

Cá Ăn muỗiVIII.BELONIFORMESBộ Cá Nhái

1. Adrianichthyidae

Họ Cá Sóc

Oryzias pectoralis Roberts,
75 1998+

Cá Sóc vây ngực

38

+

+

+

+

+

+

+

+

+

+

+

20

Total

44

39

19

24

Study site: 1: Phu Luu, 2: Cao Duong, 3: Bac Me NP, 4: Phia Oac-Phia Den NR, 5: Nam
Xuan Lac HSCA
In Phu Luu of Cham Chu NR, a total of 20 species or more in 17 genera of 15
families were recorded (Table 6). Cypriniformes was the most diverse in the present study(6 families, accounting for 40%) with Siluriformes placed in the second (3 families,
accounting for 20%) and Gobiiformes with 2 families (accounting for 13%),Synbranchiformes, Cichliformes, Cyprinodontiformes and Beloniformes (1 family,
accounting for 7%). Cypriniformes were also the most common order in terms of numberof species (8 species, accounting for 40%), followed by Gobiiformes (5 species,
accounting for 25%) (Table 6). In Cao Duong of Cham Chu NR, a total of 44 species ormore in 36 genera of 17 families were recorded. Cypriniformes, Siluriformes andGobiiformes were the most common orders (Table 6). Synbranchiformes, Anabantiformes,
Cichliformes, Cyprinodontiformes, Beloniformes recorded 1 genus for each.
In Bac Me NR, 39 species or more of 35 genera in 21 families were collected.
Cypriniformes was the most diverse in the present study (8 families, accounting for 38%)
with Siluriformes placed in the second (4 families, accounting for 19%) andAnabantiformes, Cichliformes placed in the third with 3 families (accounting for 14%),
Gobiiformes with 2 families (accounting for 10%), Cyprinodontiformes with 1 family(accounting for 5%) (Table 6). This research did not record species of Synbranchiformes
and Beloniformes in Bac Me NR.
In the Phia Oac-Phia Den NP, of the 6 orders, Cypriniformes was the most diverse (6families, accounting for 46%), followed by Siluriformes and Anabantiformes in the second(2

families,

accounting

for

15%)

and

Gobiiformes,

Synbranchiformes

andCyprinodontiformes (1 family, accounting for 8%). Cypriniformes were also the mostcommon order in terms of number of species (12 species, accounting for 63%), followedby two orders, Siluriformes and Anabantiformes (2 species, accounting for 11%) (Table 6).
In Nam Xuan Lac HSCA, the species composition showed the same tendency as the fourother sites since the Cypriniformes was the most diverse order in terms of families, genera,and species (Table 6).
39

There was a total of 8 orders that occurred in four conservation areas. The Cypriniformes
were the most diverse with 8 families (accounting for 38%) in Bac Me NR, 7 families(accounting for 41%) in Cao Duong, 6 families (accounting for 46%, 40% and 38%) in
Phia Oac-Phia Den NP, and 11 families (accounting for 61%) in Phu Luu and Nam Xuan
Lac HSCA. The number of genera and species ranked in the first and two places in terms
was Cyprinidae and Xenocyprididae of 25 families found. Table 6 shows that the numberof genera obtained in the Cao Duong area is 36, being higher than in other areas, and thenumber of species is the most diverse in this area, with 44 species (Table 6). The H’ also
reveals this data, being highest in Cao Duong, followed by Phu Luu and Bac Me NR(Table 7).
Table 6. Number of genera and species in each family of fish collectedfrom four protected areas.
#

Phu Luu

OrdersCao Duong

F

%

G

%

S

%

F

%

G

%

S

%

1

Cypriniformes

6

40%

8

47%

8

40%

7

41%

24

67%

27

61%

2

Siluriformes

3

20%

3

18%

3

15%

3

18%

5

14%

7

16%

3

Gobiiformes

2

13%

2

12%

5

25%

2

12%

2

6%

4

9%

4

Synbranchiformes

1

7%

1

6%

1

5%

1

6%

1

3%

1

2%

5

Anabantiformes

0

0%

0

0%

0

0%

1

6%

1

3%

1

2%

6

Cichliformes

1

7%

1

6%

1

5%

1

6%

1

3%

2

5%

7

Cyprinodontiformes

1

7%

1

6%

1

5%

1

6%

1

3%

1

2%

8

Beloniformes

1

7%

1

6%

1

5%

1

6%

1

3%

1

2%

Total

15

100%

17

100%

20

100%

17

100%

36

100%

44

100%

Bac MeOrdersPhia Oac-Phia Den

F

%

G

%

S

%

F

%

G

%

S

%

1

Cypriniformes

8

38%

22

63%

25

64%

6

46%

11

61%

12

63%

2

Siluriformes

4

19%

4

11%

4

10%

2

15%

2

11%

2

11%

3

Gobiiformes

2

10%

2

6%

3

8%

1

8%

1

6%

1

5%

4

Synbranchiformes

0

0%

0

0%

0

0%

1

8%

1

6%

1

5%

5

Anabantiformes

3

14%

3

9%

3

8%

2

15%

2

11%

2

11%

6

Cichliformes

3

14%

3

9%

3

8%

0

0%

0

0%

0

0%

7

Cyprinodontiformes

1

5%

1

3%

1

3%

1

8%

1

6%

1

5%

8

Beloniformes

0

0%

0

0%

0

0%

0

0%

0

0%

0

0%

Total

21

100%

35

100%

39

100%

13

100%

18

100%

19

100%

#

OrdersNam Xuan Lac
F

%

40

G

%

S

%

1

Cypriniformes

6

38%

11

52%

13

54%

2

Siluriformes

3

19%

3

14%

3

13%

3

Gobiiformes

1

6%

1

5%

2

8%

4

Synbranchiformes

2

13%

2

10%

2

8%

5

Anabantiformes

2

13%

2

10%

2

8%

6

Cichliformes

1

6%

1

5%

1

4%

7

Cyprinodontiformes

1

6%

1

5%

1

4%

8

Beloniformes

0

0%

0

0%

0

0%

Total

16

100%

21

100%

24

100%

Table 7. Biodiversity indices of fish species composition in 4 nature reserves (5 areas). S:
total species, N: total individuals, d: Margalef's index, J’: Pielou's index, H’: ShannonWeiner's index, D: Simpson's index.
Area

S

N

Phu Luu

22314

Cao Duong46

Bac Me NRdJ'

H'(log)D

3.6526 0.65385

2.02110.75235716

6.8455 0.60046

2.299

0.7601940

1369

5.4003 0.55713

2.05520.72794

Phia Oac-Phia Den NP

21

778

3.0045 0.53831

1.63890.6839Nam Xuan Lac HSCA

26

1612

3.3851 0.60792

1.98070.72907

Table 8 and Fig. 13 show the similarity of species composition within 5 study areas, Phu
Luu is the most different from others. Bac Me NR and Nam Xuan Lac HSCA, and CaoDuong and Phia Oac-Phia Den NP are similar.
Table 8. Similarity coefficient of fish species composition in 5 areas.
Cao
Bac Me Phia Oac-Phia Den
Nam Xuan Lac
Area
Phu Luu
Duong
NR
NP
HSCA
Phu Luu
Cao Duong

42.524

Bac Me NR

32.20451.703

Phia Oac-Phia
Den NP

40.29353.81545.086

41

Nam
Xuan
Lac HSCA

28.45343.55765.88441.59

Figure 13. Diagram of similarity in species composition in 5 study areas.
2.6.2 Endangered species and species of conservation value+ Species composition:
Among the species collected in the study area, there were no species recorded according toQĐ 82-TT01 of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development and Vietnam Red Data
Book. According to the IUCN Red List, there were 4 species listed as VU level occurringin the study sites: Cao Duong, Bac Me NR, Phia Oac-Phia Den NP; 1 species as NT leveloccurring at sites: Bac Me NR, Phia Oac-Phia Den NP, Nam Xuan Lac HSCA, and 1
species as EN level occurring at sites of Nam Xuan Lac HSCA. According to NĐ 26 of thegovernment, the Bac Me NR and Nam Xuan Lac HSCA areas had 1 species in group I and2 species in group II; at Cao Duong, there was 1 species in group II and 1 species in group
I; and Phu Luu area had 1 species in group I, and Phia Oac-Phia Den had 1 species ingroup II (Table 5).
42

+ Distribution:
Vulnerable species are distributed mainly in Cao Duong with 3 species, followed by Bac
Me NR, Phia Oac-Phia Den NP with only 1 species. The species Rhinogobius lineatus ascritically endangered was distributed only in Nam Xuan Lac HSCA. The species
Onychostoma gerlachi of near-threatened was recorded in Bac Me NR, Phia Oac-Phia Den
NP and the species Pseudohemiculter dispar was only found in Cao Duong.
2.6.3 Species newly recored in the study areas
This is the first list of fish in Cham Chu, Phia Oac-Phia Den and Nam Xuan Lac HSCA.
Thirty-four fresh-water fish species were found in four river basins in northern Vietnam,
constituting the new records for the ichthyofauna (Table 9) (Nguyen et al., 2019; Nguyen
Van Giang, 2018). The specific geographical distributions of Opsariichthys minutus,
Neolissochilus benasi, Rhinogobius honghensis, Rhinogobius duospilus and Discogobio
spp. are greatly enlarged by these observations. The records of Gambusia affinis,
Liniparhomalopteracf.

qiongzhongensis,

Vanmaneniacf.

caldwelli,

Placogobio

bacmeensis, Parazacco sp., Hemibagrus centralus, Gobiobotia meridionalis, Carassius
auratus and Aphyocypris normalis confirm increased diversity and wide distributions ofthese species. Among the four river basins, new records for the Lo River were highest,
followed by the Gam River. There were only six species as new records for the Bang Giang
and Thai Binh river basins (Table 9).
Table 9. List of some species newly recorded in the study sites.
River
No

Scientific name

Lo
River

Gam
River

1

Acheilognathus sp.

+

2

Aphyocypris normalis+

3

Beaufortia pingi

4

Carassius auratus

+

+

5

Discogobio microstoma

+

+

6

Discogobio spp.

+

7

Euchiloglanis sp.

+

Bang
Giang
River

+

43

+

Thai
Binh
River

8

Gambusia affinis

+

+

+

+

9

Gobiobotia meridionalis+

10

Hemibagrus centralus+

11

Hemibarbus cf. umbrifer+

12

Hemiculter elongatus

13

Liniparhomaloptera cf. qiongzhongensis

14

Megalobrama terminalis+

15

Microphysogobio elongatus+

16

Neolissochilus benasi

+

+

17

Opsariichthys minutus

+

+

18

Oryzias pectoralis+

19

Osteochilus salsburyi

+

+

20

Parazacco sp.

+

+

+

21

Placogobio bacmeensis

+

+

+

22

Pterocryptis sp.

23

Rhinogobius duospilus+

24

Rhinogobius honghensis+

25

Rhinogobius lineatus Chen,

26

Rhinogobius mekongianus

27

Rhinogobius similis+

28

Rhinogobius sp.

+

29

Rhodeus cf. albomarginatus+30

Sineleotris namxamensis+

31

Sinibrama affinis+

32

Tachysurus kyphus+

33

Traccatichthys taeniatus+

34

Vanmanenia cf. caldwelli

+
+

+

+

+

+

+
+

+
+

+

Total

24

+

+

+

+

+

20

6

6

2.6.4 Morphometrics of S. namxamensis, N. benasi and R. similis+ For Sineleotris namxamensis collected from Cham Chu NR anh Bac Me NR. A total of
30 individuals were collected with standard lengths ranging from 36.7 mm to 109.0 mm.
The present study compared with the description in Chen and Kottelat (2004) and Nguyen
Xuan Khoa and Nguyen Huu Duc (2008) (Tables 10, 11).
Table 10. Measurements of Sineleotris namxamensis from northern Vietnam.
Sex

Male

44

Female

No

13

17

minimum

maximum

averageminimum

maximum

average

Head length

30.4

34.5

32.1

29.4

33.4

31.1

Pre dorsal length

36.1

39.3

37.5

34

39.5

36.5

Snout to 2nd dorsal fin origin

54.3

57.5

56.0

53.2

56.8

55.2

Snout to anus

52.2

58.8

54.8

52

55.2

53.4

Snout to anal fin origin

56.7

63.3

60.1

57.5

62.2

59.2

Snout to pelvic fin origin

28.9

34.2

32.2

30.9

34.7

32.3

Caudal peduncle depth

8.0

10.9

9.3

7.8

10.2

8.6

Caudal peduncle length

23.6

28.9

26.5

25.5

29.6

27.6

1 St dorsal fin base

10.6

17.7

14.6

13.2

17.3

14.8

2nd dorsal fin base

16.4

21.1

18.6

15.9

21.0

18.7

Anal fin base

10.6

15.2

13.0

11.0

14.1

12.6

Pectoral fin length

21.6

26.4

23.5

19.9

26.4

23.6

Caudal fin length

20.7

25.8

23.4

21.1

24.0

22.3

Pelvic fin length

23.2

25.4

24.1

20.8

25.5

23.5

Body depth in pelvic fin origin

16.5

18.2

17.5

16.1

18.7

17.2

Bodv depth in anal fin origin

14.0

18.3

15.5

13.9

15.8

15.2

%SL

Body width in anal fin origin

8.9

11.9

10.5

9.1

11.7

10.2

Pelvic fin origin to anus

21.8

29.1

24.6

22.6

26.5

24.6

Snout length

28.2

32.4

30.2

28.0

31.3

28.9

Eye diameter

19.0

26.2

22.5

20.2

33.9

24.3

Postorbital length

45.2

53.1

49.7

48.7

56.6

50.7

Maximal head width

45.7

59.0

51.4

46.1

53.1

49.0

Fleshy interorbital width

29.2

34.3

31.9

30.6

34.9

32.7

Bony interorbital width

15.1

16.9

16.3

15.8

16.8

16.3

Lower jaw length

32.3

37.9

35.1

32.1

39.7

34.3

Caudal peduncle depth/ caudal peduncle length

27.9

42.7

35.1

27.7

36.8

31.3

Pelvic fin length/pelvic fin origin to anus

84.0

111.0

98.8

78.5

109

96.0

%HL

Table 11. Fin rays and scale counts of S. namxamensis
Fin rays and scale counts

Femalen = 17Malen = 13

D1

VIII

VIII

D2

I,11

I,10-11A

II,7-8II,7-8

P1

14-15

14-15

P2

5

5

LR

38-43

34-43

TR

10-12

10-13

PreD

19-26

19-23

SD1P1

8-9

8-9

45

The coefficient values of the correlation line between each morphometric measurementwith the total length of fish in two sexes are shown in Table 12. Most of the characteristics
that were examined strongly correlated to the total length with a high r-square value (R2 >0.9) in both sexes, except for 1st dorsal-fin base, anal-fin base, and eye diameter in males(R2 < 0.9).
Table 12. Morphometric variables vs. total length (TL) (all measurements weretransformed to logarithmic scale before computation) of wild female and male S.
namxamensis, I, -A and +A indicating isometric, negative and positive allometric growthtype, respectively.
Male

FemaleP

Dimension

a

b

R2

SEb

SEe

G

a

b

R2

SEb

SEe

G

SL

0.847

0.979

0.998

0.014

0.031

I

0.766

1.028

0.998

0.013

0.025

I

0.237

1.034

0.994

0.028

0.062

I

0.253

1.003

0.983

0.036

0.070

I

0.270

1.043

0.992

0.033

0.073

I

2.753

1.013

0.985

0.034

0.066

I

0.461

0.988

0.997

0.019

0.043

-A

0.396

1.066

0.997

0.014

0.028

I

0.394

1.057

0.993

0.030

0.068

I

0.373

1.078

0.998

0.012

0.024

I

0.468

1.020

0.991

0.034

0.077

I

0.428

1.061

0.995

0.019

0.038

I

0.291

0.948

0.962

0.066

0.149

-A

0.256

1.012

0.987

0.031

0.060

I

0.051

1.154

0.939

0.104

0.232

+A

0.071

0.999

0.914

0.082

0.160

I

0.258

0.923

0.963

0.064

0.143

-A

0.248

0.938

0.971

0.043

0.085

-A

0.103

1.059

0.845

0.160

0.358

I

0.121

0.994

0.903

0.087

0.171

I

0.135

1.053

0.968

0.068

0.152

I

0.147

1.023

0.934

0.073

0.142

I

0.102

1.003

0.868

0.138

0.309

I

0.107

0.979

0.931

0.071

0.139

-A

0.231

0.904

0.964

0.062

0.138

-A

0.177

1.039

0.945

0.067

0.131

I

0.185

0.992

0.970

0.061

0.138

I

0.186

0.999

0.976

0.042

0.082

I

0.178

1.037

0.991

0.035

0.078

I

0.239

0.890

0.976

0.037

0.073

-A

0.182

1.061

0.969

0.067

0.149

I

0.151

1.134

0.979

0.045

0.087

+A

HL
PDL
Sn-D2
Sn-An
PAL
Sn-P2
DCP
LCP
D1b
D2b
LAB
P1L
LC
P2L
P2-An

46

0.030
0.921
0.689
0.000
0.000
0.013
0.775
0.986
0.193
0.956
0.732
0.814
0.536
0.979
0.004
0.010

BD(P2)
BD(A)
BW(A)
SnL
ED
POL
MHW
FIOW
BIOW
LJL

0.308

0.115

1.091

0.987

0.044

0.099

I

0.131

1.035

0.986

0.032

0.064

I

0.110

1.061

0.966

0.070

0.156

I

0.120

1.009

0.965

0.052

0.101

I

0.063

1.144

0.978

0.061

0.136

+A

0.064

1.126

0.921

0.088

0.172

+A

0.059

1.120

0.984

0.051

0.114

+A

0.065

1.067

0.975

0.046

0.089

I

0.159

0.541

0.853

0.079

0.177

-A

0.089

0.794

0.922

0.062

0.121

-A

0.129

0.997

0.974

0.058

0.130

I

0.130

0.992

0.978

0.040

0.079

I

0.082

1.214

0.975

0.069

0.154

+A

0.106

1.086

0.971

0.051

0.099

I

0.082

1.000

0.975

0.057

0.127

I

0.087

0.976

0.969

0.046

0.091

-A

0.040

1.019

0.992

0.033

0.073

I

0.044

0.975

0.976

0.041

0.081

-A

0.101

0.961

0.973

0.057

0.128

-A

0.083

1.019

0.969

0.049

0.095

I

0.861
0.113
0.141
0.003
0.858
0.114
0.604
0.505
0.690

+ For Neolissochilus collected from Cham Chu, Bac Me and Nam Xuan Lac. A total of 36
individuals of Neolissochilus collected from Cham Chu, Bac Me and Nam Xuan Lac were
examined (Tables 13, 14). Initially, based on measurements and counting, four species ofthis genus were found in the study site, i.e., N. benasi, N. namlensis, N. stracheyi and N. sp.,but later based on molecular analysis, specimens of the three former species were collectedfrom the study site are identified as N. benasi. Further, we need to confirm the taxonomy ofthis genus in northern Vietnam using materials collected in a broader sampling area.
Table 13. Morphometry of Neolissochilus collected from three protected areas
Measurements

Nam Xuan Lac
n=9

Bac Men=7Cham Chu
n =20

AverageMin

Max

AverageMin

Max

Average

Min

Max

70.6

24.7

137.4

63.8

49.4

90.8

74.2

20.5

207.0

Pre anal length

76.7

73.8

78.9

76.8

74.7

82.0

77.4

71.8

82.3

Pre dorsal length

51.9

48.8

53.2

53.4

51.2

57.0

52.4

48.9

55.5

Pre pelvic length

55.0

52.8

56.7

55.9

53.0

59.0

56.8

51.2

69.2

Pre pectoral length

27.7

21.9

31.6

28.3

25.9

29.5

29.2

24.1

33.8

17.2

16.4

18.5

17.4

16.1

19.4

16.7

14.1

19.8

Standard length (mm)%ofStandard

LengthCaudallengthpeduncle47

Depthofcaudal

12.8

12.1

13.5

13.0

12.6

13.6

12.3

11.1

14.1

Pectoral fin length

21.7

16.8

23.4

21.3

20.8

22.0

21.7

18.0

26.2

Pelvic fin length

19.4

18.5

21.0

19.0

17.1

19.8

18.9

16.2

23.0

36.4

32.0

38.4

36.6

34.4

38.9

34.9

30.9

39.1

Dorsal fin base length

14.3

13.2

14.9

14.5

13.5

15.8

14.6

7.3

17.7

Anal fin base length

8.7

8.0

9.4

8.3

7.1

8.9

8.4

6.7

10.8

Post-dorsal length

38.2

36.1

41.0

38.3

36.6

39.3

33.7

7.7

38.9

Body depth

29.0

25.7

31.3

27.2

20.0

30.9

27.2

22.7

31.4

49.1

44.2

52.8

49.2

47.1

53.9

48.4

43.3

54.9

Distance from pelvic
fin to vent

21.8

20.5

23.7

21.4

19.8

23.2

19.4

0.0

26.0

Head length (mm)

14.4

16.3

16.1

18.5

14.4

24.6

22.2

5.8

58.9

Snout length

31.8

26.6

35.3

42.4

28.8

99.3

33.6

20.7

43.6

Upper jaw length

26.4

14.0

33.2

30.5

28.7

33.5

27.1

17.7

33.9

Pre nasal length

19.7

12.7

23.0

19.8

16.0

25.7

22.5

12.9

31.6

Orbit width

25.4

20.2

31.8

26.3

23.6

29.0

25.5

18.4

33.3

Inter orbital width

13.4

11.9

15.9

11.5

10.0

12.5

13.0

8.8

17.2

Head width

53.3

48.2

58.7

60.8

50.9

99.4

53.4

44.3

59.6

Head depth at nostril

32.8

28.1

36.5

34.5

30.9

42.0

34.7

29.3

41.6

27.8

18.0

34.0

25.9

17.0

31.1

25.1

10.9

41.4

34.4

24.7

41.3

32.4

24.7

37.2

28.0

10.6

43.4

peduncle

Dorsal origin to anal
fin origin

Distancefrompectoral fin to vent% of Head Length

MaxillarybarbellengthRostral barbel length

Table 14. Meristics characters of Neolissochilus collected from three protected areas.
Nam Xuan Lac
Bac MeCham Chu
Meristics
n=9
n=7
n = 20Dorsal fin rays

3-4,8-93-4,93-4,8-10

Anal fin rays

3,5

3,5

2,5-3,5Pelvic fin rays

1,8

1,8

1,8

Pectoral fin rays

1,15-16

1,16

1,13-16

Caudal fin rays

10+9

10+9

Upper transverse scale rows

4,5

4,5

4,5

Lower transverse scale rows

3

3

2,5-3

Lateral line to pelvic scale
row

2,5

2,5-3

2,5-3

Lateral-line scales

25-30

31-35

30-34

Pre-dorsal scales

9-10

10-12

8-10

Circumpeduncular scale rows

12

12

10-12

48

Circumferential scale rows

18-20

20

20

Transverse breast scale rows

7

7 to 99+ Rhinogobius collected from Cham Chu, Bac Me and Nam Xuan Lac were used formorphological study. A total of 117 individuals of Rhinogobius spp. collected from Cham
Chu, Bac Me and Nam Xuan Lac were examined (Tables 15). Based on measurements andcounting, three species of this genus were found at the study site, i.e., R. mekongianus, R.
similis in Bac Me, R. duospilus in Phia Oac-Phia Den and Rhinogobius sp. in Nam Xuan
Lac. Based on the head lateral line system, Rhinogobius in Bac Me is identified as R.
mekongianus and R. similis, from Phia Oac-Phia Den as R. duospilus (Fig. 14). Specimensfrom Nam Xuan Lac might be new species for science.

Figure 14. Head lateral line system of Rhinogobius douspilus from Phia Oac - Phia Den,
Cao Bang province.

Table 15. Morphometrics of Rhinogobius spp. collected from three protected areas,
northern Viet Nam.
R. mekongianus
in Bac Me

R. similisin Bac Me

R. duospilus
in Phia Oac – Phia Den

Rhinogobius sp.
in Nam Xuan Lac

Male (8)Female (4)Male (8)Female (7)

Male
(30)

Female (30)

Male
(15)

Female (15)Total length (TL) (mm)37.9-47.5

32.3-55.6

34.573.7

38.8-63.2

28.4-55.6

30.6-54.0

28.0-50.3

37.1-49.0

Standard length (SL)(mm)

30.2-39.0

26.5-42.2

27.657.9

31.0-52.0

26.5-42.2

24.5-43.5

22.6-40.7

29.7-39.6%SL

49

Head length (HL)

28.2-32.9

27.3-30.7

28.935.0

29.0-31.1

26.9-38.1

25.2-30.6

26.6-31.0

29.2-33.0

Predorsal length (PDL)

37.2-40.2

35.0-37.0

35.040.7

27.3-38.4

33.8-39.3

31.3-44.7

34.6-38.3

35.3-38.5

Snout to 2nd dorsal origin

57.9-62.1

57.0-59.5

55.160.0

54.8-58.9

49.2-59.4

52.5-59.6

53.4-58.8

53.6-58.8

Snout to anus

55.6-61.9

55.7-60.5

52.356.9

52.3-58.2

51.4-56.3

54.3-59.7

52.3-57.1

51.6-58.5

Snout to anal fin origin

61.0-65.0

59.8-65.0

56.563.7

55.9-62.2

55.4-64.5

56.6-64.2

58.4-63.8

58.8-65.6

Prepelvic length28.9-31.8

28.0-29.0

29.235.3

29.6-36.0

25.2-30.8

19.9-29.1

24.9-28.6

26.0-32.3

Caudal peduncle length22.9-25.2

23.4-25.1

25.230.1

25.8-36.0

22.7-31.7

22.7-30.2

24.5-30.1

23.6-30.9

Caudal peduncle depth

9.3-10.3

9.8-10.0

9.1-11.1

9.6-10.6

9.7-11.3

9.7-12.0

9.3-11.3

9.6-12.1

1st dorsal fin base11.2-17.1

13.4-15.2

11.6-17.0

12.4-20.0

11.0-19.4

12.9-18.6

13.4-18.5

13.8-18.5

2nd dorsal fin base16.5-20.9

15.9-18.2

15.419.9

15.6-23.5

13.9-22.3

15.8-20.4

16.2-20.8

15.5-20.0

Anal fin base13.4-14.8

11.6-14.8

13.918.8

13.8-21.6

11.6-18.7

11.3-16.0

10.7-15.5

11.2-16.0

Caudal fin length23.1-27.1

22.7-24.8

15.928.5

21.6-27.5

24.5-30.4

25.7-30.9

24.5-29.4

25.4-30.1

Pectoral fin length22.7-25.7

24.0-26.7

22.128.6

21.3-31.0

20.2-28.1

18.8-27.3

23.3-28.7

21.3-28.3

Pelvic fin length13.2-16.2

15.5-16.9

18.124.6

20.8-22.9

16.2-19.6

12.6-18.9

15.7-18.8

15.5-19.2

Body depth at pelvic fin
origin11.8-15.8

13.5-14.7

15.222.2

15.5-29.5

13.2-17.4

12.8-17.6

14.2-16.8

13.7-16.7

Body depth at anal fin
origin13.3-15.3

13.5-15.8

14.919.2

12.4-17.0

12.0-17.1

12.8-15.8

13.8-16.2

12.7-15.6

Body width at anal fin
origin8.9-10.2

9.1-10.7

9.8-12.7

8.0-12.1

9.8-14.6

11.2-14.2

11.5-13.2

10.7-14.7

Pelvic fin origin to anus

27.1-29.2

27.3-33.6

21.531.9

19.3-24.9

26.1-34.1

27.9-36.3

26.0-31.5

23.5-30.8

Snout length30.0-34.9

30.0-32.0

28.039.2

22.1-35.7

26.8-36.9

25.9-36.0

24.3-30.9

27.2-32.3

Eye diameter (ED)19.6-25.4

22.2-26.0

18.029.5

18.8-27.8

17.2-28.2

20.9-30.0

23.2-27.6

19.2-25.6

Postorbital length47.4-55.6

45.0-54.5

39.348.6

37.7-48.9

41.4-60.7

46.9-56.0

48.3-57.1

18.4-63.3

Head width in maximum

59.7-74.8

60.0-70.8

46.667.3

51.9-57.1

55.2-70.9

58.5-75.5

51.4-69.0

54.8-62.5

Lower jaw Length25.9-31.7

22.0-29.6

22.735.9

25.6-34.3

28.8-38.8

25.0-38.1

30.0-35.1

32.3-38.7

D1

VI

VI

VI

VI

VI

VI

VI

VI

D2

I,8-9

I,8

I,8

I,8

I,7-9

I,7-9

I,7-9

I,7-9

A

I,7-8

I,7-8

I,8

I,8

I,6-8

I,6-8

I,6-7

I,6-7

P

15-16

15-17

18-21

18-21

15-17

15-16

15-16

15-16

V

I,5

I,5

I,5

I,5

I,5

I,5

I,5

I,5

LR

30-31

30-31

29-31

29-31

30-32

30-32

30-32

30-32

TR

8

8

7-8

8

8-9

8-9

8-9

8-9

PreD

4-6

5

10-12

10-12

6-10

6-8

5-7

5-6

SDP

6-7

6

5-6

5-6

5-8

5-7

5-7

5-6

%HL

Fin rays and scale counts

50

+ For Euchiloglanis nami sp. n. Specimens of Euchiloglanis collected from Phia Oac-Phia
Den in Cao Bang Province were described as a new species, which has been submitted to
Acta Zoologica Bulgarica.
Table 16. Counts and proportional measurements of Euchiloglanis nami sp. n.
Holotype

Paratypes (n=6)

Dorsal-fin rays

i, 6

i, 6

Pectoral-fin rays

i, 16

i, 15–16

Pelvic-fin rays

i, 5

i, 5

Anal-fin rays

i, 4

i, 4

Branched caudal-fin rays

16

16

Locality

in % of standard length

mean

range

Predorsal length
Dorsal-fin base length

34.15
10.19

34.54
9.88

31.72–36.20
8.96–10.53

Body depth
Head length

13.28
22.21

11.71
22.50

9.43–14.73
21.19–23.86

Maximum head width

18.90

19.93

18.32–21.59

Caudal peduncle length

20.38
5.06
16.37

20.74
4.99
14.78

20.00–21.88
4.31–5.48
12.05–15.90

57.62
16.44

57.41
17.83

55.94–58.81
15.93–20.13

21.50
15.39
13.56
6.68
11.17
34.43

23.19
15.93
14.09
6.54
12.04
33.19

20.23–26.14
14.42–17.53
13.13–15.62
6.18–6.86
11.53–13.42
31.81–35.74

50.32
6.33
24.05

51.92
8.05
24.57

49.43–55.21
8.00–8.71
20.97–29.45

85.47
60.33

86.42
55.01

71.25–97.26
47.50–60.33

Caudal peduncle depth
Dorsal-fin insertion to adipose-fin origin
Snout to adipose-fin origin
Dorsal-fin length
Pectoral-fin length
Pelvic-fin length
Anal-fin length
Anal-fin base length
Caudal-fin length
Adipose-fin base length
in % of head length
Snout length
Eye diameter
Interorbital width
in % of Pt-Pl length
Pectoral-fin length
Pl-A length
in % of Pl-A length51

Pelvic-fin length
in % of length of caudal peduncle
Caudal-peduncle depth

101.39108.4892.54–126.32

24.83

24.12

20.26–27.40

2.6.5 Length weigth relationship and condition factor+ For Sineleotris namxamensis collected from Cham Chu NR and Bac Me NR. The rangeof values for the weight (0.2-20.4 g) and total length (3.51-13.1 cm) was obtained from 37
individuals. The coefficients of determination were highly significant (p < 0.001), with R2values being greater than 0.988 (Table 17). The strong relationship between length andweight indicates that S. namxamensis weights could be estimated from the fish length(LogW = 0.0027 + 3.443*LogTL). The b was higher than the isometric value of 3,
suggesting that S. namxamensis revealed a positive allometric growth, which implies thehigh adaptability of the species to the environment in the surveyed areas.
Table 17. Length, weight range and regression coefficient of wild Sineleotris namxamensis
over the sampling period. The values given are from the equation W = aTLb; n, number ofsamples; TL, total length; W, weight; a is intercept and b is slope value of regression; R2,
coefficient of determination; I and +A indicate isometric and positive allometric growthtype, respectively.
TL (cm)Weight (g)W=aTLbCompared sexes
Sex n
Min Max Min MaxabGrowthR2t
df
PF

23 3.51

13.1

0.2 17.4 0.0026 3.457

+A

0.990

M

14 4.68

12.7

0.5 20.4 0.0029 3.439

+A

0.985

A

37 3.51

13.1

0.2 20.4 0.0027 3.443

+A

0.988

0.667 3/33

0.0
0The condition factor of specimens (23 females and 14 males) is shown in Fig. 15. The
mean K values of S. namxamensis in the study area were found to be 0.998±0.151 SD formales, 1.01±0.031 SD for females, and 1.006±0.021 SD for combined sexes respectively.
The range of condition factors for this species was 0,795-1.237 in males, 0,824-1.28 infemales.

52

Figure 15. Condition factor (K) between female and male of Sineleotris namxamensis.
+ For Gambusia affinis collected from Tuyen Quang and Cao Bang province. A total of 64
individuals of Gambusia affinis collected from Cham Chu NR, 31 from Bac Me NR and 27
from Phia Oac-Phia Den NP were analyzed for length-weight relationship and condition
factor study (Fig. 16). The slope value was 3.3, being higher than 3, showing the fish
perform positive allometric growth. This result reveals that the environment from the studysite is suitable for this species. This fish is an effective tool in mosquito control and widely
introduced worldwide, but found to compete with indigenous fish and upset the ecologicalbalance (Shrestha, 1990). Therefore, information on LWR will help determine growththrough fish length and body weight, thereby developing measures to protect biodiversity
in the study areas.

53

Figure 16. Length weight relationship of Gambusia affinis from Tuyen Quang and
Cao Bang province.
+ For Rhinogobius collected from Nam Xuan Lac HSCA, Bac Kan Province. The datafrom 53 specimens were used for the length weight relationship and condition factor studyof Rhinogobius sp. (Fig. 17). This is the first basic information of this species showing astrong correlation between total length and fish weight with a high coefficient ofdetermination, R2 > 0.9. From this parameter, we can assess the development pattern of fishand evaluate the influence of the environment. Thus, the ichthyofauna estimated by thisanalysis can provide effective data for fisheries management.

Figure 17. Length weight relationship of Rhinogobius from Nam Xuan Lac HSCA.

54

+ For Rhinogobius similis from different areas in Vietnam (Ha et al., 2022). A total of 195
specimens of Rhinogobius similis were used for the length weight relationship andcondition factor studies (Figs. 18-23; Tables 18-20).

Figure 18. Variation of condition factor of Rhinogobius similis among locations in
Vietnam.
The results showed that this fish is positive allometric growth (b > 3) and the K value is 1,
indicating that R. similis is well adapted to the environmental conditions across from thenorthern to the highland areas of Vietnam. These findings will be valuable for further
investigations into this introduced species to examine the impacts on aquatic ecosystems in
Vietnam. This result was submitted to Acta Zoologica Bulgarica and received acceptancefor publication.

55

Figure 19. Monthly variation of condition factor of Rhinogobius similis collected from Red
river, Hanoi, Vietnam.

Figure 20. Seasonal variation in condition factor of Rhinogobius similis collected from Lak
Lake and Red River, Hanoi, Vietnam

56

Figure 21. Sexual variation in condition factor of Rhinogobius similis collected from Hoa
Binh Lake and Red River, Hanoi, Vietnam.

57

Figure 22. The effect of sex-season interaction on the change of condition factor of
Rhinogobius similis collected from Red River, Hanoi, Vietnam.

Figure 23. Variation of condition factor among different habitats of Rhinogobius similis in
Vietnam.

58

Table 18. Monthly changes of length, weight range and regression coefficient of Rhinogobius similis amongst in the Red River and Lak Lake inHighland. The values given are from the equation W = aSLb; N, number of samples; SL, standard length; W, weight; a is intercept and b isslope value of regression; R2, coefficient of determination, respectively.
Range of TL and W
Time

N

Site

Red River in
Hanoi

TL (cm)W (gr)

Intercept (lna)aslope(b)

t

min

max

min

max

a

2.50%

97.50%

lna

2.5%

97.5%

b

2.5%

97.5%

F

DF

RSquareP of
regression

Compare to 3
t

df

P

May

71

3.4

7.9

0.5

5.8

0.0

0.0

0.0

4.8

-5.0

-4.6

3.1

3.0

3.2

49.3

2427.0

1/69

1.0

0.0

1.8

69

0.1

Jun

150

2.8

7.1

0.2

4.2

0.0

0.0

0.0

4.5

-4.8

-4.3

2.9

2.8

3.1

37.8

1430.0

1/148

0.9

0.0

-0.8

148

0.4

Jul

174

2.3

8.3

0.1

5.3

0.0

0.0

0.0

-5.4

-5.1

3.4

3.3

3.5

66.0

4350.0

1/172

1.0

0.0

7.7

172

0.0

Aug

220

2.6

7.0

0.2

2.8

0.0

0.0

0.0

4.7

-4.9

-4.5

3.0

2.9

3.1

41.7

1741.0

1/218

0.9

0.0

0.0

218

1.0

Sep

149

2.9

6.8

0.3

2.9

0.0

0.0

0.0

4.9

-5.2

-4.6

3.1

2.9

3.3

31.9

1015.0

1/147

0.9

0.0

1.4

147

0.2

Oct

107

3.9

6.0

0.4

2.0

0.0

0.0

0.0

4.8

-5.1

-4.6

3.1

2.9

3.2

39.3

1544.0

1/105

0.9

0.0

1.1

105

0.3

Nov

123

4.0

6.8

0.4

2.9

0.0

0.0

0.0

5.1

-5.4

-4.7

3.1

2.9

3.4

29.7

880.4

1/121

0.9

0.0

1.4

121

0.2

Dec

132

2.9

7.0

0.2

3.4

0.0

0.0

0.0

-5.4

-5.0

3.3

3.1

3.4

51.2

2617.0

1/130

1.0

0.0

4.3

130

0.0

March

111

3.2

6.6

0.3

2.7

0.0

0.0

0.0

4.6

-5.0

-4.3

3.0

2.8

3.2

28.4

804.7

1/109

0.9

0.0

-0.4

109

0.7

April

89

3.3

6.3

0.2

2.5

0.0

0.0

0.0

4.9

-5.2

-4.5

3.1

2.9

3.3

29.5

871.8

1/87

0.9

0.0

0.7

87

0.5

Rainy

871

2.3

8.3

0.1

5.8

0.0

0.0

0.0

-5.1

-4.9

3.2

3.1

3.3

109.2

11920.0

1/869

0.9

0.0

6.9

869

0.0

Dry

457

2.9

7.0

0.2

3.4

0.0

0.0

0.0

4.9

-5.0

-4.7

3.1

3.0

3.2

64.7

4180.01/455

0.9<2e-16

1.7

455

0.1

total

1326

2.3

8.3

0.1

5.8

0.0

0.0

0.0

-

-5.0

-4.8

3.1

3.1

3.2

124.3

15430.0

1/1324

0.9

0.0

5.2

####

1324.0

5.3

5.2

5.0

59

4.9

Lak_lake

rainy

63

2.9

6.3

0.4

3.2

0.0

0.0

0.0

4.1

-4.5

-3.8

2.8

2.6

3.0

23.5

551.4

1/61

0.9

0.0

-1.6

61

0.1

dry

575

2.7

6.3

0.2

3.1

0.0

0.0

0.0

4.6

-4.7

-4.5

3.0

2.9

3.1

80.0

6403.0

1/573

0.9

0.0

-0.1

573

1.0

total

638

2.7

6.3

0.2

3.2

0.0

-4.7

-4.5

3.0

3.0

3.1

81.6

6665.0

1/636

0.9

0.0

0.7

636.0

0.5

4.6

Table 19. Spatial variation of length, weight range and regression coefficient of Rhinogobius similis in Vietnam. The values given are from theequation W = aSLb; N, number of samples; SL, standard length; W, weight; a is intercept and b is slope value of regression; R2, coefficient ofdetermination, respectively.
Range of TL and W
Site

N

TL (cm)
mi
n

ma
x

mi
n

ma
x

2.3

8.3

0.1

5.8

101

2.7

7.1

0.1

3.7

195

2.6

7.2

0.1

hoabinh_lak
e

349

2.4

6.3

lak_both_lak
e

638

2.7

6.3

132
SH_hanoi
SH_phuthobacme_lake6intercept(a)W (gr)

slope(b)

a
2.50
%

97.50
%

lna

ln2.5%
aln97.5%
a

0.0

0.0

-4.9

-5.0

-4.8

0.
0

0.0

0.0

-4.7

-4.9

-4.5

3.2

0.
0

0.0

0.0

-5.3

-5.7

0.1

1.6

0.
0

0.0

0.0

-5.3

0.2

3.2

0.
0

0.0

0.0

-4.6

a
0.
0

P of
t

2.5
%

97.5
%

3.1

3.2

3.
1

3.0

-5.0

3.
3

-5.5

-5.1

-4.7

-4.5

b
3.

F

DF

124.

15430.

1/132

3

0

4

3.2

44.5

1979.0

3.1

3.5

33.2

3.
3

3.2

3.5

3.
0

3.0

3.1

1

60

R-SquareCompare to 3

regressi
on
t

df

P

5.

1324.

1324.

2

0

0

0.9

0.0

1/99

1.0

0.0

1.
5

99.0

0.1

1104.0

1/193

0.8

0.0

2.
6

193.0

0.0

45.8

2096.0

1/347

0.9

0.0

4.
5

347.0

0.0

81.6

6665.0

1/636

0.9

0.0

0.
7

636.0

0.5

Table 20. Difference of length, weight range and regression coefficient of Rhinogobius similis between habitats. The values given are from theequation W = aSLb; N, number of samples; SL, standard length; W, weight; a is intercept and b is slope value of regression; R2, coefficient ofdetermination, respectively.
Range of TL and W
TL (cm)intercept(a)W (gr)

slope(b)

a

t

F

DF

R-SquareP ofregression
t

df

P

3.153

129.8

1.69E+04

1/14250.922

2.00E-16

4.44

1425

9.74E-06

3.521

98.64

9995

1/11800.894

2.00E-16

13.3

1180

5.78E-38

Habitats

N

min

max

min

max

a

2.50%

97.50%

lna

ln2.5%aln97.5%a

b

2.5%

97.5%

Riverine

1427

2.3

8.27

0.1

5.8

0

0.007

0.0083-4.9-4.933

-4.79

3.1

3.059

Lacutrine

1128

2.4

7.17

0.1

3.2

0

0.004

0.0049-5.4-5.526

-5.32

3.5

3.384

61

Compare to 3

2.6.6 Ecological and conservation aspects+ The data about fish diversity, distribution and length weight relationship and condition
factor of several species could be potential to link with those from other groups to have a large
picture of biodiversity in the study site, which will be crucial to have any conservation
activities. Data from all groups will be a fundamental to have a distributional picture,especially focussing on rare or commercial species utilizing GIS groups results. It means thatthe remote sensing data will be only the group to connect all data into one visible picture.
Clearly, this picture will be a very effective tool in conservation and protection.
This is a very important point because we should approach conservations based on
ecosystems when all organisms naturally have solid connections. In the same aquatic
environment, the fish groups data could be shared closely with macro-invertebrates andherpetology groups that may produce some useful data in the study site. For a further aspect,full data of fish and macro-invertebrates and water parameters could be used to assess the water
quality.
+ Data from fisheries status of the Fish group could be information about roles, statuses,
threats and conservations of this animal in the study site (see above). Importantly, this data
generates an idea to connect with social groups since many data is share between two groups.
We did interviews from ourselves view and could obtain data from a different side, thus if we
can share method and data, results will be more informative and this will deal with a bigger
issue, which is potential to form a better publication. The combined data might bring aneffective action in conservation and exploitation of fisheries resources. In addition,conservation of fish based on ecosystem services approach seems poor information in Vietnam.
This approach should be considered from this project, which may open a new stage inconservation of fish in Vietnam (Tran et al. 2021).
In the study sites, there are several river basins, which show an interesting data when wecompare among sampling sites. Based on the ichthyofauna, we could understand the ecologicalconnections. In the present report, this aspect will be present. Furthermore, interview data will62

be finalized to show the importance of fisheries for local residents, providing benefits from theecosystems. This data clearly shows the linkages between ecology and society. In addition,
workshops organization for local authorities and residents, which were conducted during thesurvey in Cao Bang Province, could be another link in conservation activities.
+ Clearly, the number of fish species in Cao Duong was much higher than that of theother areas (Tables 5, 6). It can be seen from fig. 24, there is a clear relationship between thenumber of species and the average elevation where the fish were collected. In Phia Oac-Phia
Den, there were five stations where no fish were collected. Most of these sampling sites wereabove 1000 m a.s.l. The survey was conducted in different habitat types and some findings onfish distribution will be presented in tables 5, 6, 21. Hill stream loach and stone loach(Liniparhomaloptera and Schistura) are popular in strong water current with rocky and sandy
bottom sediments. Similar to species of Placogobio, Euchiloglanis nami sp.n. prefer living inmedium and high-water current with stone bottom as they can use their large pectoral fins to
attach the bottom. Rectoris sp. and Neolissochilus benasi could be found in the medium andhigh-speed current, with gravel bottom. On the other hand, in slow water current, some typicalfish could be observed, such as Parazacco sp., Opsariichthys, Gambusia affinis andRhinogobius (Tables 5, 6).

Figure 24. Number of species according to average elevation in the three areas in the period of2019 to 2020 surveys.

63

Table 21. Some examples of fish distributional patterns in different areas in the three areas in the
period of 2019 to 2020 surveys. Area 1 DO.02; Area 2 (NXL02,05,06,09,11; DO.05,07); Area 3(NXL.03-06,09); Area 4 (NXL.02,06,09,10; DO.01). Please see figure 1 for the four areas.

1

Narrow stream
inside the forest;
medium and highspeed current;
gravel, stone andsandy bottom.

Order Family

Example genus/species

Euchiloglanis sp.
Sisoridae

HabitatSiluriformes

Areagravel, muddy
and sandy
bottom.

Cypriniformes

2

Wide stream;
medium and highspeed current;

Cyprinidae

Discogobio sp.

water, gravel,
sandy and stonebottom.

Cyprinidae

Medium speed

Cypriniformes

Neolissochilus benasi

3
Xenocyprididae

Slow speed
current water,
gravel and sandy
and muddy
bottomCypriniformes

Parazacco sp.

64

2.6.7 Natural and socio-economic context and main human impacts/threats on biologicalgroup
The importance of fish for local residents
Several results of interviewees in the four areas are summarized in Table 22. The results of theinterview surveys indicate that fish were quite an important source of protein for the local
community as fish consumed per week were 1 to 3 days (Table 22). However, fish were not themain income for local people as the ratio of fisher per total interviewees was low in Cham Chu
and Bac Me, and no fishers in the rest of the study sites. Fish consumed are mainly fromaquaculture and the local markets, such as common carp, grass carp, silver carp, mrigal carp,
tilapia and marine fish.
Table 22. Information on fisher and fishing based on the interviews with fishers in the Cham
Chu NR. and Bac Me NR (these data will be published in the near future).
Content

FisherFishing

Decline offisheries
Product

Number of interviewees
Ratio of fisher/total local people (%)
Residence in the region (year)
Education level (in 12 grade)
Fishing experience (year)
Fish consumed per week (day)Worker/tripDistance (km/trip)
Dry
SeasonRain(%)
Both dry and rain
Day per week
Frequency Tim of fishing(hour/trip)
Electro-fishing
Ratio of
Gill netgear usedin fishing
Fishing line(%)
Others
Product (kg/trip)
During past 5 year (%)
During past 10 year (%)

Cham
Chu
18
5.6
34.4
8.3
20.1
2.5
1.5
1.0
25.0
12.5
62.5
2.9
2.1
12.5
25.0
25.0
37.5
1.2
48.5
78.5

Current status of fishery resources

65

Bac Me
17
5.6
44
7.7
29
3.4
1.5
1.7
19
40
42
1.6
1.5
10
33
48
29
3.1
41
51

Phia Oac Phia Den
2
0
32
7
0
1
1
0,5
No data
No data
No data
No dataNam
Xuan Lac
6
0
45.5
8.8
12.8
3
1
2.6
20
80
0
1

0.8

3.2

0
0
50
50
1
50

0
83.3
33.3
50
1
32.5

45

No dataWild fishery resources. According to fishers and local residents, there were no establishedprograms or guidelines for local people regarding the use and protection of fish species in Bac
Me NR, Phia Oac-Phia Den NP, Nam Xuan Lac HSCA. Almost all interviewees recognizedthat fishing products from the two rivers had been declining rapidly. The rates of decline during
the past five and ten years ranged from 32-50% to 45-79%, respectively (Table 22). Although
the total products have greatly declined, many species still have high production values. In
Cham Chu NR, there are some commercial fish namely Neolissochilus benasi, Hemibarbus
labeo, Schistura spp., common carp, hongkong catfish. Many interviewees agreed that
Neolissochilus species play an important role for fisheries resources in the local community. In
Bac Me NR, some followings are important for the local people: Onychostyoma gelarchi,
Opsariichthys minutus, Hemiculter leucisculus, Cranoglanis bouderius, Hemibagrus guttatus,
gobies, tilapia, common carp and grass carp.
Cultured fishery resources. There were some cultured species in the research area, such as
Cyprinus carpio, Ctenopharyngodon idellus, Hypophthalmichthys molitrix, Oreochromis spp.,
Prochilodus argenteus, Cirrhina molitorella, Clarias fuscus, Channa maculata, Cranoglanis
bouderius and Carassius auratus auratus. Seed of many species are charged from local people
and but few from the wild.
Status of exploitation fishery resources
Information on fishers. Few interviewees were working as fishers at the study site. The
educational attainment of interviewees in the four sites was the same (Table 22). None of theinterviewees were working as fishers at the study site. A few people use it for commercials, therest do it for daily food. Average educational attainment ranges from 7 to 8 out of 12, and mostof them are from ethnic minorities.
Fishing. Fish consumption in Bac Me NR and Nam Xuan Lac HSCA was three times higher
than at Phia Oac -Phia Den NP (Table 22). Fish were caught mainly in the rainy season in the
Nam Xuan Lac HSCA and were caught more evenly throughout the year in the Bac Me NR.
Fish were caught mainly in the rainy season in the Nam Xuan Lac HSCA and were caught

66

more evenly throughout the year in the Bac Me NR. According to villagers in Nam Xuan Lac
HSCA, they can catch fish in the fields during the rainy season when floods rise. The
frequencies for fishing were from 1 to 1.5 days/week in around 1 hour for a trip. Fishers
frequently caught fish by gill nets in Bac Me NR and Nam Xuan Lac HSCA, and fishing lines
were more frequently used in Phia Oac-Phia Den NP. Electro-fishing was sometimes used in
Bac Me NR (Table 22). The efficiency of fishing in the Bac Me NR was the highest than in allareas (Table 22).
Some possible impacts on fishery resources
As mentioned previously the fishery resources have been declining in the study site. The
followings are some possible reasons. Some differences could be found among the four sites.
In Cham Chu NR, many interviewees agreed that destructive gears used to catch fish is thereason to reduce the fishery resources, followed by the over-exploitation and water pollution,
which are the two most important reasons in Bac Me NR. In Bac Me, the tourism activity is adifferent reason from the Cham Chu NR. From Cham Chu NR, interviewees said that thefisheries production has been recently recovered because destructive gears are forbidden andthe awareness of local people to protect the resources are increasing. What is more, in Bac Me
NR, deforestation and destructive gear have reduced fish production there. In Nam Xuan Lac
HSCA, water pollution is caused by using mosquito repellent, insecticides, and herbicides by
local people, and the treatment of wastewater from ore mines leads to a decline in fish stocks.
Some villagers at Bac Me NR and Nam Xuan Lac HSCA claim that the number of stream fish
species has increased compared to three to four years ago thanks to positive management
measures (banned electric stimulators, the transmission of fish resources protection).
It is interesting to note that introduced fish species such as Gambusia affinis, which could
be found abundantly in a few sampling sites from Phia Oac-Phia Den (2 sites) and Nam Xuan
Lac (1 site). Thus, further investigations need to be conducted to understand the impact of
exotic species on native ecosystems.

2.7 Discussion

672.7.1 Comparison of fish diversity in four river basins
This is the first list of fish in Cham Chu, Phia Oac-Phia Den and Nam Xuan Lac HSCA,
which are fundamental data for further studies as well as for the whole NEF project. Several
species may be new records for Vietnam and new species for science (Table 5), which will befurther checked by morphological and molecular examinations. Other species such as
Parazacco sp., Discogobio spp., Placogobio sp. also need to be confirmed in morphology andmolecular. These taxa might increase the diversity and the value of ichthyofauna from northern
Vietnam.
The number of fish species in the two areas was little diverse compared with Bac Me andCham Chu. It is clear that the water surface area in Bac Me is much higher than Phia Oac-Phia
Den and Nam Xuan Lac. In Bac Me NR, many species were collected from Na Hang Reservoir(Thuong Tan Lake). In the Phia Oac-Phia Den, no fish in five sampling sites might relate to thehigh elevation, and another possibility is that this time survey during the rainy season, so thewater was present in all sampling sites. However, during the dry season, there will be no water.
It means that the water level in these sampling sites is changeable and significantly different
between seasons; hence fish could not be distributed there. This could lead to few numbers offishers in this area and fisheries resources are not so important for local residents.
From Phia Oac-Phia Den and Nam Xuan Lac, sampling sites are in the Red River, theThai Binh, both flowing into Gulf of Tokin, and from Bang Giang River, which flows into
China. Therefore, we examined species compositions and fish distribution in the two areas(Table 23). Discogobio microstoma is a species only distributed in the Bang Giang River,which was also found in the previous work (Nguyen Van Giang, 2018). The Gam and Lo rivers
are the biggest tributaries of the Red river basin, but they share a few freshwater fish species(only 4 species) (Table 23). This may be related to differences in the number of sampling sites
in each river basin.
Table 23. Fish distribution in different river basins in Phia Oac-Phia Den (2020)
and Nam Xuan Lac (2020), northern Vietnam.

≠

Species

PO-PD

68

NXL

Gam

Bang Giang

Thai Binh

Lo

+

+

1

Barbodes semifasciolatus

+

+

2

Beaufortia pingi

+

+

3

Carassius auratus

+

+

4

Channa gachua

5

Cyprinus carpio

6

Discogobio microstoma+

7

Discogobio spp.

+

8

Gambusia affinis

9

Glyptothorax honghensis

10

Hemibarbus cf. umbrifer

11

Hemibagrus pluriradiatus

12

Liniparhomaloptera
qiongzhongensis

13

Macropodus opercularis

14

Mastacembelus armatus

15

Monopterus albus

16

Neolissochilus benasi

17

Neolissochilus sp.

18

Onychostoma gerlachi

19

+
+

+

+

+
+
+

+

+
+
cf.
+

+

+

+

+
+

+
+

+
+

+

+

+

Onychostoma lepturus

+

+

20

Opsariichthys minutus

+

+

21

Parazacco sp.

+

+

22

Placogobio bacmeensis

+

+

23

Euchiloglanis sp.

+

24

Rhinogobius duospilus+

25

Rhinogobius lineatus

+

+

26

Rhinogobius sp.

27

Rhodeus ocellatus

28

Schistura spp.

+

+

+

+

29

Vanmanenia cf. caldwelli

+

+

+

+

Total

11

12

16

18

+

+
+
+

Sampling sites belong to four river basins, Lo, Gam, Bang Giang and Thai Binh Rivers.
Fish were mainly distributed in the Lo and Gam Rivers, one of the largest tributaries of the Red

69

River, where the number of species ranged from 65 to 69, with the H’ being higher than 3.00
(Table 24, 25). The lowest number of fish was collected in the areas belonging to the Bang
Giang River, which flows in to China (Tables 24, 25).
Table 24. A list of fish collected in the four protected areas belonging to four river basins,
northern Vietnam#

Scientificname

River basin

Vietnamese name
L

G

BG

TB

Bộ Cá Chép

I. Cypriniformes
1. Botiidae
12

Leptobotia elongata (Bleeker, 1870)

Cá Chạch cát đốm

2. Cobitidae

Họ cá Chạch

Misgurnus anguillicaudatus (Cantor, 1842)

Cá Chạch bùn

3. Gastromyzontidae

Họ Cá chạch bám

3

Liniparhomaloptera cf. qiongzhongensis

4

Vanmanenia cf. caldwelli

+

+

+

+

+

+

+

+

+

+

+

+

+

+

+

+

4. Balitoridae

Họ cá Chạch vây bằngBeaufortia pingi (Fang, 1930)

Cá Bám khuyết pingi

5. Nemacheilidae

Họ Cá Chạch suối6

Schistura spp.

Cá Chạch suối+7

Traccatichthys taeniatus (Pellegrin & Chevey 1936)

Cá Chạch cật+

6. Cyprinidae

Họ Cá Chép

8

Barbodes semifasciolatus (Günther 1868)

Cá Đòng đong

+

+

+

9

Carassius auratus (Linnaeus, 1758)

Cá Diếc mắt đỏ

+

+

+

10

Cyprinus carpio Linnaeus, 1758

Cá Chép

++11

Garra orientalis Nichols, 1925

Cá Sứt mũi+

12

Neolissochilus benasi (Pellegrin & Chevey, 1936)

Cá Rai+

13

Neolissochilus sp.

Cá Mi

+

14

Onychostoma gerlachi (Peters, 1881)

Cá Sỉnh gai nhỏ

+

+

15

Onychostoma lepturus (Günther, 1896)

Cá Phao++

16

Osteochilus salsburyi Nichols & Pope 1927

Cá Dầm đất

+

+

17

Spinibarbus hollandi Oshima, 1919

Cá Chày đất+

Cá Mại sọc

+

5

+

7. Danionidae
18

Rasbora steineri Nichols & Pope, 1927
8. Xenocyprididae

19

Cá Dầm suối thường

Aphyocypris normalis Nichols & Pope, 1927

70

+

+

+

+
+

20

Chanodichthys erythropterus (Basilewsky, 1855)

Cá Thiểu

+21

Culter flavipinnis Tirant, 1883

Cá Ngão gù+

22

Hemiculter elongatus Nguyen & Ngo, 2001

Cá Vền dài?

23

Hemiculter leucisculus (Basilewsky, 1855)

Cá Mương xanh

24

Megalobrama terminalis (Richardson, 1846)

Cá Vền+25

Megalobrama skolkovii Dybowski, 1872

Cá Vền+26

Metzia formosae (Oshima, 1920)

Cá Mại bạc

+

+

27

Opsariichthys minutus Nichols, 1926

Cá Cháo thường

+

+

+

28

Parazacco sp.

Cá Chuôn

+

+

+

29

Pseudohemiculter dispar (Peters, 1881)

Cá Dầu sông mỏng+30

Sinibrama affinis (Vaillant, 1892)

Cá Nhác

+31

Toxabramis houdemeri Pellegrin, 1932

Cá Dầu hồ cao

32

Toxabramis swinhonis Günther, 1873

Cá Dầu hồ bằng33

Xenocypris davidi Bleeker, 1871

Cá Mần

+
+

+

+
+
+

9. Acheilognathidae
34

Acheilognathus sp.

Cá Thè be+

35

Acheilognathus tonkinensis (Vaillant, 1892)

Cá Thè be thường

+36

Rhodeus cf. albomarginatus

Cá Bướm

+37

Rhodeus ocellatus (Kner, 1866)

Cá Bướm chấm++Cá Bám sừng

+

+

+

+

+

+

10. Gobionidae
38

Discogobio microstoma (Mai, 1978)

39

Discogobio spp.

40

Gobiobotia meridionalis Chen & Cao, 1977

Cá Đục râu+

41

Hemibarbus cf. umbrifer

Cá Đục ó lạng sơn+

42

Hemibarbus medius Yue, 1995

Cá Đục ngộ+

43

Microphysogobio elongatus (Yao & Yang, 1977)

Cá Đục đanh chấm44

Placogobio bacmeensis Nguyen & Vo, 2001

Cá Thui++

45

Saurogobio dabryi Bleeker, 1871

Cá Đục đanh đốm

+

+

46

Squalidus argentatus (Sauvage & Dabry de Thiersant, 1874)

Cá Đục trắng mỏng++II.Siluriformes

Bộ Cá Da trơn1. Bagridae

Họ Cá Lăng47

Hemibagrus centralus Mai, 1978

Cá Lăng quảng bình+48

Hemibagrus pluriradiatus (Vaillant, 1892)

Cá Lường

+49

Pseudobagrus vachellii (Richardson, 1846)

Cá Mầm50

Tachysurus fulvidraco (Richardson, 1846)

Cá Bò đen+51

Tachysurus kyphus Mai, 1978

Cá Mịt tròn

+

71

+

+

+

+

Tachysurus virgatus (Oshima, 1926)

Cá Mịt2. Sisoridae

Họ Cá Chiên

53

Euchiloglanis sp.

Cá Chiên pớm

54

Glyptothorax honghensis Li, 1984

Cá Chiên suối sông Hồng3. Siluridae

Họ Cá Nheo

55

Pterocryptis cochinchinensis (Valenciennes, 1840)

Cá Thèo

56

Pterocryptis sp.

Cá Niết

57

Silurus asotus Linnaeus, 1758

Cá Nheo+

Clarias fuscus (Lacepède, 1803)

Cá Trê đen+

5. CranoglanididaeHọ cá Ngạnh

Cranoglanis henrici (Vaillant, 1893)

Cá Ngạnh thường

III. Gobiiformes

Bộ Cá bống

52

+

+
+

+

+

+
+

4. Clariidae
58

59

+

+

1. Odontobutidae
Sineleotris namxamensis Chen & Kottelat, 2004

Cá Bống nhỏ

3. Gobiidae

Họ Cá bống trắng

62

Rhinogobius duospilus (Herre, 1935)

63

Rhinogobius honghensis Chen, Yang & Chen, 1999

64

Rhinogobius lineatus Chen, Kottelat & Miller, 1999

65

Rhinogobius mekongianus (Pellegrin & Fang, 1940)

Cá Bống mê kông

61

Rhinogobius similis Gill, 1859

Cá Bống đá

66Rhinogobius sp.

60

67

68

+

+

Cá Bống suối++Cá Bống khe

+

+

+
+
+

+

+

IV. Synbranchiformes

Bộ Cá Mang liền1. Mastacembelidae

Họ Cá Chạch sông

Mastacembelus armatus (Lacepède, 1800)

Cá Chạch sông

2. SynbranchidaeHọ Lươn

Monopterus albus Zuiew, 1793Lươn thường

V. Anabantiformes

Bộ Cá rô đồng

+

+

+

+

1. Anabantidae
69

70

Anabas testudineus (Bloch, 1792)

Cá Rô đồng2. OsphronemidaeHọ cá Tai tượng

Macropodus opercularis (Linnaeus, 1758)

Cá Đuôi cờ thường

+

+

+

+

+

3. Channidae
71

Channa gachua (Hamilton, 1822)

Cá Chành dục

VI. Cichliformes

Bộ Cá rô phi

1. Cichlidae

Họ Cá rô phi

72

+

+

72

Oreochromis mossambicus (Peters, 1852)

Cá Rô phi đen+

73

Oreochromis niloticus (Linnaeus, 1758)

Cá Rô phi vằn++

VII.Cyprinodontiformes

Bộ Cá bạc đầu

1. Poeciliidae

Họ Cá ăn muỗiGambusia affinis (Baird & Girard, 1853)

Cá Ăn muỗi

+

+

+

+

VIII.BELONIFORMESBộ Cá Nhái

1. Adrianichthyidae

Họ Cá Sóc

Oryzias pectoralis Roberts, 1998

Cá Sóc vây ngực

46

13

19

74

75

Total

+

+
55

Study site: L: Lo river, G: Gam river, BG: Bang Giang river, TB: Thai Binh river
Through the composition and distribution of fish species in 4 protected areas and 4 river
basins, we compared with the biodiversity indices according to the Shannon-Weiner's index(H'); the Margalef's index (d), the Pielou's index (J') and the Simpson's Index (D). The results
showed that, at the Lo River, the highest biodiversity index, the margalef's index (d) and theshannon-Weiner's index (H’) fluctuated at a good and very good biodiversity level (d=8.1916,
H '= 3,1635). In the Gam River, although the d fluctuates at a very good biodiversity level(d=6.5692), H’ is only reaches quite similar of the basins (ranging from: 1 <H '<3). The reason
is that the Lo and Gam rivers have a larger number of species and individuals than the Bang
Giang and Thai Binh rivers (Table 25). The pielou's index (J’) of the individuals of species inall river basins, the study is average, which leads to low simpson's index (D).
Table 25. Biodiversity indices of fish species composition in 4 protected areas and 4 river
basins. S: total species, N: total individuals, d: Margalef's index, J’: Pielou's index, H’:Shannon-Weiner's index, D: Simpson's index.
Area
S
N
d
J'
H'(log)D
Lo River
Gam RiverBang Giang River
Thai Binh River

56
46
13
19

824
944
106
380

8.1916 0.78589
6.5692 0.7084
2.5732 0.74255
3.0302 0.76775

3.16352.7122
1.90462.2606

0.932250.88034
0.80305
0.8573

It can be clearly seen that species composition of fish in Bang Giang River is different
from the others (Table 26, Fig. 25). Although Gam and Lo Rivers are the two tributaries of the
Red River, the species composition of fish in Lo River is closer to that of Thai Binh River than73

to the Gam River. Table 26 shows that almost all species occurring in the Thai Binh River are
distributed in the Lo River. The two river basins are present in Nam Xuan Lac HSCA (Fig. 5).
Table 26. Similarity coefficient of fish species composition in 4 river basins.
Area
Lo river Gam river Bang Giang river Thai Binh river
Lo River
Gam RiverBang Giang River
Thai Binh River

38.34812.68844.68416.19
33.9889.0535Figure 25. Diagram of similarity in species composition in 4 river basins.
2.7.2 LWR and K of an exotic goby fish, R. similisThis is the first LWR data for R. similis from a tropical region. The r2 values of R. similis
for all cases analyzed in this study were high (primarily > 0.88) (Table 18), suggesting that thefish’s weight could be estimated from length. Similar data were observed for the same species

74

distributed in subtropical and temperate regions in China (Ye et al. 2007, Lei et al. 2015, Xiong
et al. 2015, Heidari et al. 2018). The slope b ranged from 2.804 to 3.462 (Tables 18–20), which
was almost within the standard range of 2.7 to 3.4 reported for 90% of fish examined by Froese(2006). Overall, the LWR regression slope (b) value of R. similis for all individuals from thepresent study was 3.305, which was higher than the isometric value of 3 (Table 19), indicatingthat this freshwater goby has positive allometric growth. This implies that smaller R. similis
individuals tend to be more elongated, with a thinned body, and bigger individuals tend to beplumper in shape (Froese 2006).
The parameter of LWR could be a species-specific characteristic that is affected byenvironmental conditions (Richer 1973, Froese 2006). Of the five surveyed sites in the present
study, the specimens of R. similis from the Red River and two reservoirs had positive
allometric growth. The positive growth pattern (with b = 3.38) has also been reported for thisspecies (under a synonym R. giurinus) in the Xiangjiang River, a tributary of the middle
Yangtze River, Southern China (24°31′–29°52′ N, 110°31′ E) (Lei et al. 2015). On the other
hand, an isometric growth was observed in specimens collected in the Lak Lake (highland),
which was similar to the specimens collected in a shallow macrophytic Yangtze Lake in China(30°16–22′ N, 114°27–38′ E) (YE et al. 2007), and in R. cf. similis distributed in southern
Caspian Sea basin (37°28′13″N, 49°20′33″E) (Heidari et al. 2018). In addition, negative
allometric growth was obtained for R. similis collected from a wetland lake in the central
Yangtze River (30°310–30°360 N; 114°210–114°280 E (Xiong et al. 2015). This difference ingrowth patterns also supports the fact that factors other than species uniqueness may influence
this goby’s growth patterns.
Since the change of b value can be affected by the changes in environmental conditions,the seasonal variations in growth pattern of R. similis differed between the Red River and the
Lak Lake (Table 18) could be explained by the difference in the hydrology of the river and thelake. Seasonal change of hydrologic conditions e.g., velocity, turbidity, and water discharge in
the Red River, is more pronounced than in Lak Lake might influence the growth of the fish,making the fish grow differently in two seasons in river but similarly at the lake. This result
implies that this species has high plasticity in growth pattern and is likely more adapted tovariable environmental conditions than stable conditions. Similarly, the seasonal difference ingrowth pattern was also reported for Periophthamus modestus collected from estuary of the75

Red River, in which fish also have significantly higher b value grow in the rainy season than in
the dry season (Tran et al. 2021). Differently, even other species namely Glossogobius
olivaceus (Ta et al. 2020) and Bostrychus sinensis (Nguyen et al. 2020), also collected from the
Red River, have similar growth pattern between seasons. As the b value is also regulated bygonadal developmental stage and reproductive investment (Froese 2006), and the spawningseason of R. similis was reported to occur in rainy season months in Taiwan (Chang et al. 2008),
the higher value of b in rainy season in this study might partly be a consequence of increasing
in gonad volume in pre-spawning period.
The present results revealed that fish in the lacustrine habitat generally had higher bvalue than those in riverine habitat (Table 20), suggesting that fish in the lacustrine habitat(particularly in reservoir) tended to increase in thickness as they grew and thus large specimen
would have plumper body shape than the smaller ones. Contrary to the present study, the fish
collected in China grow in weight better in the riverine habitat (as the b values were higher)
than in lacustrine habitat (Ye et al. 2007, Lei et al. 2015, Xiong et al. 2015, Heidari et al. 2018).
A difference in morphology and pigmentation could be found in fish collected from different
study areas. All above information would have demonstrated the biodiversity of this exotic
goby species, which leads to its good adaptation to different habitats.
The present study contributes the first data of condition factor for this species regarding
condition factor, which is related to changes of environmental conditions and fish health(Froese 2006). This K value estimated for all individuals averaged 0.97, which wassignificantly lower than the ideal threshold value of 1 (t(2507) = -7.606, p < 0.001), suggesting
that, in general, the fish were not in healthy conditions at the sampling times. Given that thecondition factor can be regulated by the seasonal change in environmental conditions (Froese
2006), most of the cases (fish from Bacme and Hoabinh reservoirs) in the present study which
had low values of condition factor were collected during the winter month and in the north ofVietnam when the water temperature is low and food resource might be limited. The seasonalvariation in K of fish collected in the Red River and in the Lak Lake had confirmed thesignificant effect of season on condition factor in this species while fish were in a better
condition during the rainy season than in the dry season. Within the Red River, the higher K
value in the riverine habitat suggests that the fish are more adaptable to this type of habitat,
where environmental conditions reveal seasonal variations. The condition factor of fish in the76

present study seemed to follow a latitudinal tendency while increased from north to south.
Especially while compared in the same type of habitat this tendency was held, i.e., among
stillness waters, the fish collected from more southward were also healthier than those in thenorth, suggesting this fish has potential target to adapt to different environments in thesouthernward distribution range. Originally, this species was considered to be distributed in thecold waters (Suzuki et al. 2016). The high K value in the more southern area (highland) andduring the hotter period (the rainy season) might support that R. similis is tolerant of higher
temperature, which leads to its expansion from the temperate to the tropical region (Serov et al.
2006, Tran & Ta 2014, Suzuki et al. 2016, Tran et al., 2018) and develops well after
introduction (Suzuki et al. 2016, Eagderi et al. 2017). Factors such as maturity, reproduction,
feeding habits and availability of food resources should be further concerned to provide
insights into the growth pattern and condition factor of this species in Vietnam.
Introduced species could have inverse effect and eventually could cause the extinction ofnative species by as a predator, competitor, and change habitat (Workman & Merz 2007,
Strayer 2010). It is reported that R. similis may be responsible for the disappearance ofPseudogobiopsis species in Singapore (Larson & Kim 2005, Larson et al. 2008) and adverse
ecological impacts (Eagderi et al. 2017). The difference in growth parameters of this species
between the present study and previous reports firmly supports the fact that this introduced
species are more suitable to environmental conditions in the tropics. Furthermore, the higher K
in the more southern population within Vietnam suggests that this goby adapts well to thehigher temperature. In addition, the present study also reports the high variation in growth
patterns and the condition factor (Figs. 18–23, tables 18–20). This species is an amphidromous
fish that utilize estuarine habitats during a certain period of its life history, but some works
indicate that it can remain in reservioirs (Lim & Ng, 1990, Tran et al., 2018), implying thebiodiversity of this goby. Hence, these facts suggest that this goby potentially has impacts on
native species and the ecosystems where it invades.
+ Synthesized characteristics of biological group in the limestone ecosystems in themountainous region of North Vietnam.
The ichthyofanua in northern Vietnam shows somewhat clear typical traits of limestone
ecosystems since many species from the following families, Botiidae, Gastromyzontidae,

77Nemacheilidae, Sisoridae, Gobiidae, and several genera such as Placogobio, Placocheilus,
Rectoris, Onychostoma, Neolissochilus and Garra, which are favorable for the high current
water in the mountainous regions. Many species were also distributed in southern China, suchas species from Placogobio, Discogobio and Euchiloglanis (Endruweit, 2013; Kottelat, 2013).
In all four sites, the dominant order is Cypriniformes, accounting for more than 60% in Cham
Chu and Bac Me, and 50% for the two other areas.
+ Brief description of socio-economic and policy context, initial description and analysis ofnatural and human impacts / threats on biological group.
Interview data show that pressures on fish diversity and fisheries varied between study
sites. Human impacts including using destructive gears, over-exploitation and water pollution
are the main causes for the decline of fisheries resources. In general, deforestation directly or
indirectly impacts on the fish diversity and fisheries. For example, in Nam Xuan Lac HSCA,
water pollution is caused by using mosquito repellent, insecticides, and herbicides by local
people, and the treatment of wastewater from ore mines leads to a decline in fish stocks. These
causes are also found in other sites in Vietnam (Tran and Ta, 2014).
Introduced animals such as Rhinogobius similis and Gambusia affinis are abundant in the
study sites, which might impact on the aquatic ecosystem and native species (Larson & Kim
2005, Larson et al. 2008). Thus, further investigations need to be conducted to understand theimpact of exotic species on native ecosystems.
However, some villagers at Bac Me NR and Nam Xuan Lac HSCA claim that the numberof stream fish species has increased compared to three to four years ago thanks to positive
management measures (banned electric stimulators, the transmission of fish resources
protection).
+ Preliminary assessment sustainable use of biological resources and evaluation of
biodiversity and conservation values at regional and site/protected area scale
Target species of conservation: In the study sites, four species listed in the IUCN Red List
should be in priority to be protected. They are Leptobotia elongata, Cyprinus carpio,
Pseudohemiculter dispar, Oreochromis mossambicus. Especially, Rhinogobius lineatus at CR
level needs to be further studied. As mentioned previously, recently, the fisheries resources insome study sites have recovered due to the increase in human awareness. On the approach by78

ecosystem services, fish diversity conservation should be in a context of a relationship withother organisms and in the whole ecosystem.
Priority sites of conservation: Among four study sites, several sampling sites in Cham Chu NR
and Bac Me NR should be in priority of conservation because vulnerable species are mainly
reported from the two areas. In Bac Me NR, the reservoir where provides a large proportion offisheries production should be considered for conservation.
+ Proposed recommendation for biodiversity conservation and planningFirstly, further identification of unknown species should be done to have a full picture of
species composition of fish in the study sites. A better understanding of ichthyofauna is the firststep for any conservation aspect.
Next, workshops with local residents and local authorities about fish diversity and fisheries
resources will increase their awareness of conservation. Color photos of fish in the study sites
with brief descriptions will be useful for local communities, especially for students, who willplay an important role in any conservation programs.
Further investigations into the impacts of exotic fish species on native ecosystems will be
important to propose a suitable conservation planning.
Last, applying remote sensing will take in advantage to have a map for conservation.

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Ito, T., Hosoya, K., 2016. Re-examination of the type series of Parazacco spilurus (Teleostei:
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82Miller, P. J., 1988. New species of Coryrogobius, Thorogobius, and Wheelerigobius from West
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Akysidae and Sisoridae) from Laos and Vietnam. Journal of South Asian Natural History,
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Hanoi, 1-760. (In Vietnamese)
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85

Zujie, K., Yongxia, C., &amp, Dekui, H., 2016. Pareuchiloglanis hupingshanensis, a new
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http://researcharchive.calacademy.org/research/ichthyology/catalog/SpeciesByFamily.asp

2.9 Publications and products+ Nguyen Quang Huy, Nguyen Huu Duc, Ta Thi Thuy, Tran Duc Hau (2020). An overview ofgoby fish Rhinogobius Gill, 1859 in Vietnam. Proceedings of National Conference on Resourceand Environment Managements and Sustainable Development in Northwest Region, Vietnam,
pp. 198-206.
+ Linh Manh Ha, Hau Duc Tran, Nam Thanh Nguyen, Thanh Trung Tran, Thuy Thi Ta, Nga
Thi Nguyen, Huy Quang Nguyen (2021). Length-weight relationship and condition factor ofAmur goby (Rhinogobius similis) from different areas in Vietnam. Acta Zoologica Bulgarica.
Accepted.
+ Hau Duc Tran, Duc Huu Nguyen, Huong Thanh Thi Dang, Huy Quang Nguyen, Nga Thi
Nguyen (2021). A New Species of Euchiloglanis (Teleostei: Sisoridae) from Viet Nam. Acta
Zoologica Bulgarica. Submitted November 2021.
In preparation: Several papers will be published using materials from this report.
+ Length-weight relationship, sexual dimorphism, and condition factor of freshwater sleeper
Sineleotris namxamensis (Odontobutidae) from northern Vietnam.
+ Description of specimens of genus Parazacco (Cypriniformes: Cyprinidae) from northern
Vietnam.
+ New records of Rhinogobius Gill, 1859 in Cham Chu and Nam Xuan Lac, Northern Vietnam.
+ Identification of Neolissochilus collected from natural reserves in northern Vietnam.
+ Rhinogobius from northern Vietnam: A review and description of a new species.
+ First records of ichthyofauna and their distribution in Phia Oac-Phia Den National Park,
northern Vietnam.
+ First records of ichthyofauna in Nam Xuan Lac HSCA, northern Vietnam.
+ First records of ichthyofauna in Cham Chu Nature Reserve, northern Vietnam andconservarion aspects.
+ Species diversity and current status of fisheries in Bac Me Nature Reserve, northern
Vietnam.

86

+ Biological traits of introduced fish Gambusia affinis in four protected areas, northern
Vietnam.

3. EMPOWERMENT OF YOUNG SCIENTISTS
3.1 Guiding principles for education and training
Key researchers in this project are required to guide and train young scientists, non-key
researchers, as well as study the mountainous region of Northern Vietnam. For example, We,
NEF, are expecting that such young scientists will finish their dissertations/papers throughproject participation. We kindly request all the key researchers to report the progress of theirown research plan with name of each young scientist and the title of his/her research plan.
Seven young scientists have been involved in this project, one PhD, one PhD student, two
Master student and three undergraduate students from Hanoi National University of Education.
In order to strengthen the professional capacity for young researchers in ichthyology in
Vietnam, students were participated in the field surveys, specimens were examined inlaboratory and data analysis for publication.
3.2 Achievement of each young scientist
Chu Hoang Nam, Tran Trung Thanh, Nguyen Trong Nghia, experienced learning from thefield work to the lab, including preparation, sampling, preservation, identification, preparing
manuscript used materials from the study site.
Nguyen Quang Huy used the collection of fish from Tuyen Quang province formorphological analyses. He successfully defended the bachelor thesis in 2020. He is a coauthor of one paper and three manuscript.
+ Nguyen Quang Huy, Nguyen Huu Duc, Ta Thi Thuy, Tran Duc Hau (2020). An overview ofgoby fish Rhinogobius Gill, 1859 in Vietnam. Proceedings of National Conference on
Resource and Environment Managements and Sustainable Development in Northwest
Region, Vietnam, pp. 198-206.
+ Linh Manh Ha, Hau Duc Tran, Nam Thanh Nguyen, Thanh Trung Tran, Thuy Thi Ta, Nga
Thi Nguyen, Huy Quang Nguyen (2021). Length-weight relationship and condition
factor of Amur goby (Rhinogobius similis) from different areas in Vietnam. Acta
Zoologica Bulgarica. Accepted.

87

+ Hau Duc Tran, Duc Huu Nguyen, Huong Thanh Thi Dang, Huy Quang Nguyen, Nga Thi
Nguyen (2021). A New Species of Euchiloglanis (Teleostei: Sisoridae) from Viet Nam.
Acta Zoologica Bulgarica. Submitted.
+ Huy Quang Nguyen, Hau Duc Tran (2021). Length-weight relationship, sexual dimorphism,
and condition factor of freshwater sleeper Sineleotris namxamensis (Odontobutidae) from
northern Vietnam. In preparation.
Vu Trung Hieu used the collection of Rhinogobius from Bac Me, Phia Oac-Phia Den and
Nam Xuan Lac as the maim part of materials for his bachelor thesis. He reported the genetic
diversity of Rhinogobius collected from the above areas. He obtained the bachelor degree in2020.
Nguyen Le Hoai Thuong has used the collection of Rhinogobius specimens from
northeastern Vietnam for her master thesis and it was completed in the middle of 2022. Her
thesis will focus on morphometrics, length weight relationship and condition factor.
Duong Thi Huyen will use the collection of Parazzaco specimens from northeastern
Vietnam for her bachelor thesis and it is expected to be complete in the middle of 2022. Her
thesis will focus on morphometrics, and taxonomy.
Nguyen Minh Thuy will use materials of Gambusia affinis collected from the study site forher bachelor thesis, focusing on length weight relationship and condition factor.

88

4. APPENDICES
Appendix 1. Questionnaires for local residents(About exploitation and protection of fisheries in the research area)(Fish Diversity and Conservation Status in Northern Vietnam Karst Habitats)

Date:..................................; Site:...........................................................................................................................
Interviewee’s name:.........................................; Occupation:.......................Age:..................................................
1. Economic-social conditions
Interviewee’s information- Residence in the region:...........................years; Fishing experience:.......years; Ethnics:...................................
- Education: Schoolless □; Grade:....../12
Income- Main income of family:.......................................................................................................................................
- Income from fishing activity (per trip:.............., weekly:........., yearly:.............).
- Income from other fisheries (per trip:.............., weekly:........., yearly:.............).
- Percentage of income from fishing:..........%.

2. Satus of exploitation and protction of fishery resources in the research area
2.1 Fishery resource value
Usage of fish as daily food- Fish consumed:............days/week- Kilo of fish consumed (daily:...............; weekly:.................; monthly:..................)

Price of fish commonly used in the region (commercial fish)≠

Fish namePrice/kg≠

89

Fish namePrice/kg

Fish from market
Source: Aquaculture □ (species..........................................................................................................................)
Wild □ (Speice....................................................................................................................................................)
Product:.......kg/ week; Price:..........vnd/ time
2.2 Current status of fisheries resources
Conservation aspects- Do you know any information about status of fisheries resources in the area?
- Any program for conservation in the area?

Yes □; No □Yes □; No □- How often do conservation activities organize in the area? Yes □; No □Source of infromation: workshop □; Media □; local authority □; other □Abundant species in the area................................................................................................................................

Recently extinction species...................................................................................................................................

Currently appearing species.................................................................................................................................
The rates of decline of fisheries resources during the last years: 5 years:............(%); 10 years:..............(%)

2.3 Status of exploitation in fishers
Fishing90-Site:................;

Distance:.......km/trip;

Time:......hours/trip;

Fishing

frequency:........days/

week;

manpower:..........workers/trip.

- Habitats for fishing?
+ River:+ Lake:+ Reservoir:+ Stream:+ Ponds:+ Ricefield:+ Others:- Types of forests for fishing:+ Evergreen and semideciduous broad-leaved forests+ Deciduous forests+ Bamboo and palms+ Coniferous forests+ Open broad-leaved forests+ Scrub- Season fishing:dry □; rainy □; yearly □- Fishing product:.......kg/ trip
- Gears used in fishing: Elector-fishing □; Gill nets □ (size......); Fishingline □; Others □ (.......................)- Boat used in fishing □, No □- Fishing purpose: food □; sale □91

Aquaculture....................................................................................................................................
- Source of seed:.............................................................................................................................
Information about reproduction≠

Fish nameSpawning time

Spawning ground4 Some possible causes to the fisheries resources
Water pollution □; Over-exploitation □; Deforestation □; Destructive gears □; Management □; Climat
change □; Tourism activity □; Other □(.............................................................................................................................................)
5 Other information................................................................................................................................................................................
................................................................................................................................................................................
................................................................................................................................................................................
................................................................................................................................................................................
................................................................................................................................................................................
................................................................................................................................................................................
................................................................................................................................................................................
................................................................................................................................................................................

92

Appendix 2. List of fish in the four areas in northern Vietnam from 2018 to 2021
2.1. A completed list of fish collected in Cham Chu NR, Tuyen Quang Province#

Scientific nameVietnamese name

I. CYPRINIFORMESPL

CDBộ Cá Chép

1. Botiidae
123

Leptobotia elongata (Bleeker, 1870)

Cá Chạch cát đốm

2. Cobitidae

Họ cá Chạch

Misgurnus anguillicaudatus (Cantor, 1842)

Cá Chạch bùn

3. Gastromyzontidae

Họ Cá chạch bám

Liniparhomaloptera cf. qiangzhongensis+++

4. Nemacheilidae

Họ Cá Chạch suốiSchistura spp.

Cá Chạch suốiTraccatichthys taeniatus (Pellegrin & Chevey, 1936)

Cá Chạch cật

5. Cyprinidae

Họ Cá Chép

5

Barbodes semifasciolatus (Günther, 1868)

Cá Đòng đong6

Carassius auratus (Linnaeus, 1758)

Cá Diếc mắt đỏ+

7

Cyprinus carpio Linnaeus, 1758

Cá Chép

+8

Garra orientalis Nichols, 1925

Cá Sứt mũi+

9Neolissochilus benasi (Pellegrin & Chevey, 1936)

Cá Rai

4

+

+
+

+

+

+

Cá Dầm đất+

11 Aphyocypris normalis Nichols & Pope, 1927

Cá Dầm suối thường

+12 Chanodichthys erythropterus (Basilewsky, 1855)

Cá Thiểu

+13 Culter flavipinnis Tirant, 1883

Cá Ngão gù+

14 Hemiculter leucisculus (Basilewsky, 1855)

Cá Mương xanh+

15 Metzia formosae (Oshima, 1920)

Cá Mại bạc+

16 Opsariichthys minutus Nichols, 1926

Cá Cháo thường

17 Pseudohemiculter dispar (Peters, 1881)

Cá Dầu sông mỏng+18 Sinibrama affinis (Vaillant, 1892)

Cá Nhác

+19 Toxabramis swinhonis Günther, 1873

Cá Dầu hồ bằng+10 Osteochilus salsburyi Nichols & Pope, 1927
6. Xenocyprididae++

7. Acheilognathidae
20 Acheilognathus sp.

Cá Thè be

Acheilognathus tonkinensis (Vaillant, 1892)
21 Rhodeus cf. albomarginatus

93

+

+

Cá Thè be thường

+Cá Bướm

+Cá Bướm chấm22 Rhodeus ocellatus (Kner, 1866)+

8. Gobionidae
23 Gobiobotia meridionalis Chen & Cao, 1977

Cá Đục râu+

24 Hemibarbus cf. umbrifer

Cá Đục+25 Hemibarbus medius Yue, 1995

Cá Đục ngộ+

26 Placogobio bacmeensis Nguyen & Vo, 2001

Cá Thui

27 Saurogobio dabryi Bleeker, 1871

Cá Đục đanh đốm

28 Squalidus argentatus
Thiersant, 1874)(Sauvage

&

Dabry

+

+

de Cá Đục trắng mỏngII. SILURIFORMESBộ Cá Da trơn1. Bagridae

Họ Cá Lăng++29 Hemibagrus centralus Mai, 1978

Cá Lăng quảng bình30 Hemibagrus pluriradiatus (Vaillant, 1892)

Cá Lường

+31 Tachysurus fulvidraco (Richardson, 1846)

Cá Bò đen+32 Tachysurus kyphus Mai, 1978

Cá Mịt tròn+33 Tachysurus virgatus (Oshima, 1926)

Cá Mịt+2. Sisoridae+

Họ Cá Chiên

34 Glyptothorax honghensis Li, 1984

Cá Chiên suối sông Hồng3. Siluridae

+

+

+

+

Họ Cá Nheo

35 Pterocryptis cochinchinensis (Valenciennes, 1840)

Cá Thèo

36 Silurus asotus Linnaeus, 1758

Cá NheoIII. GOBIIFORMES+Bộ Cá bống1. Odontobutidae
37 Sineleotris namxamensis Chen & Kottelat, 2004
2. Gobiidae

Cá Bống nhỏ+++Họ Cá bống trắng

38 Rhinogobius duospilus (Herre, 1935)

Cá Bống suối+39 Rhinogobius honghensis Chen, Yang & Chen, 1999

Cá Bống khe+

40 Rhinogobius similis Gill, 1859

Cá Bống đá

+

+

+

+

+

+

41 Rhinogobius sp.
IV. SYNBRANCHIFORMESBộ Cá Mang liền1. Mastacembelidae

Họ Cá Chạch sông

42 Mastacembelus armatus (Lacepède, 1800)

Cá Chạch sông

V. ANABANTIFORMESBộ Cá rô đồng1. OsphronemidaeHọ cá Tai tượng
Cá Đuôi cờ thường

43 Macropodus opercularis (Linnaeus, 1758)

94+VI. CICHLIFORMESBộ Cá rô phi

1. Cichlidae

Họ Cá rô phi

44 Oreochromis mossambicus (Peters, 1852)

Cá Rô phi đen

45 Oreochromis niloticus (Linnaeus, 1758)

Cá Rô phi vằnVII. CYPRINODONTIFORMESBộ Cá bạc đầu

1. Poeciliidae

Họ Cá ăn muỗi+Cá Ăn muỗi46 Gambusia affinis (Baird & Girard, 1853)
VIII. BELONIFORMESBộ Cá Nhái

1. Adrianichthyidae

Họ Cá Sóc

47 Oryzias pectoralis Roberts, 1998

Cá Sóc vây ngực

Total

+

+

+

+

+

+

20

44

2.2. A completed list of fish collected in Bac Me NR, Ha Giang Province≠

1
2

Scientific nameVietnamese name

I. Cypriniformes

Bộ cá Chép

1. Cobitidae

Họ cá Chạch

Misgurnus anguillicaudatus (Cantor, 1842)

Cá Chạch bùn

2. Gastromyzontidae

Họ cá Chạch bám

Liniparhomaloptera cf. qiongzhongensis

BM.1

BM.2

+

+

+

+

+

+

3. Nemacheilidae

Họ cá Chạch suốiSchistura spp.

Cá Chạch suối4. Cyprinidae

Họ cá Chép

4

Barbodes semifasciatus (Günther, 1868)

Cá Đòng đong

+

+

5

Cyprinus carpio (Linnaeus, 1758)

Cá Chép

++6

Neolissochilus benasi (Pellegrin & Chevey, 1936) Cá Rai

+

+

7

Onychostoma gerlachi (Peters, 1881)

Cá Sỉnh gai nhỏ

+

+

8

Onychostoma lepturus (Günther, 1896)

Cá Phao+

9

Osteochilus salsburyi Nichols & Pope, 1927

Cá Dầm đất+

3

Cá Chày đất

10 Spinibarbus hollandi Oshima, 1919
5. Danionidae+

Họ cá Lòng tong

11 Rasbora steineri Nichols & Pope, 1927

Cá Mại sọc

6. Xenocyprididae+Họ cá Nhàng

12 Hemiculter elongatus Nguyen & Ngo, 2001

Cá Vền dài+

13 Hemiculter leucisculus (Basilewsky, 1853)

Cá Mương xanh+

14 Megalobrama terminalis (Richardson, 1846)

Cá Vền+95+

15 Megalobrama skolkovii Dybowski, 1872

Cá Vền+16 Metzia formosae (Oshima, 1920)

Cá Mại bạc+

17 Opsariichthys minutus Günther, 1873

Cá Cháo thường

+18 Toxabramis houdemeri Pellegrin, 1932

Cá Dầu hồ cao+

19 Xenocypris davidi Bleeker, 1871

Cá Mần+7. Acheilognathidae++

Họ cá Thè be
Cá Bướm chấm20 Rhodeus ocellatus (Kner, 1866)+

8. Gobionidae
21 Discogobio microstoma (Mai, 1978)

Cá Bám sừng+22 Discogobio spp.

+

23 Microphysogobio elongatus (Yao & Yang, 1977)

Cá Đục đanh chấm+24 Placogobio bacmeensis Nguyen & Vo, 2001

Cá Thui+

25 Saurogobio dabryi Bleeker, 1871

Cá Đục đanh đốm+

26 Squalidus argentatus (Sauvage & Dabry de Cá Đục trắng mỏngThiersant, 1874)+

27

II. Siluriformes

Bộ cá Nheo

1. Bargridae

Họ cá LăngPseudobagrus vachellii (Richardson, 1846)

Cá Mầm

2. Sisoridae

Họ cá Chiên

28 Glyptothorax honghensis Li, 1984

Cá Chiên sông Hồng3. Siluridae

+

+

+

+

+

+

Họ cá Nheo

29 Pterocryptis sp.

Cá Niết

4. CranoglanididaeHọ cá Ngạnh
Cá Ngạnh thường

30 Cranoglanis henrici (Vaillant, 1893)
III. Gobiiformes

Bộ cá Bống1. Odontobutidae

Họ cá Bống suối31 Sineleotris namxamensis Chen & Kottelat, 2004
2. Gobiidae

Cá Bống suối

+

+

+

+

+

+

+

Họ cá Bống trắng

32 Rhinogobius mekongianus (Pellegrin & Fang Cá Bống mê kông
1940)
Cá Bống đá

33 Rhinogobius similis Gill, 1859
VI. Anabantiformes

Bộ cá rô đồng1. Anabantidae

Họ cá rô đồngCá Rô đồng34 Anabas testudineus (Bloch, 1792)Họ cá tai tượng

2. Osphronemidae96+

Cá Đuôi cờ thường

35 Macropodus opercularis (Linnaeus, 1758)
3. Channidae

+

+

+

+

Họ cá chuối

36 Channa gachua (Hamilton, 1822)

Cá Chuối

V. Cichliformes

Bộ cá rô phi

1. Cichlidae

Họ cá rô phi

37 Oreochromis niloticus (Linnaeus, 1758)

Cá Rô phi vằn+

VI. Cyprinodontiformes

Bộ cá Chép răng1. Poeciliidae

Họ cá Khổng tướcCá Ăn muỗi38 Gambusia affinis (Baird & Girard, 1853)
Total

+

+

31

26

2.3. A completed list of fish collected in Phia Oac-Phia Den NP, Cao Bang Province≠

Scientific name
I. Cypriniformes

Bộ cá Chép

1. Gastromyzontidae

Họ cá Chạch bám

1

Liniparhomaloptera
qiongzhongensis

2

Vanmanenia cf. caldwelli

34Vietnamese name

cf.

DO.2

+
+

+

+

+

+

+

(Günther, Cá Đòng đong++2. Balitoridae

Họ cá Chạch vây bằngBeaufortia pingi (Fang, 1930)

Cá Bám khuyết pingi

3. Nemacheilidae

Họ cá Chạch suốiSchistura spp.

Cá Chạch suối4. Cyprinidae

Họ cá Chép

5

Barbodes1868)

6

Carassius auratus (Linnaeus, 1758)

Cá Diếc mắt đỏ

+

+

7

Cyprinus carpio (Linnaeus, 1758)

Cá Chép

++8

Onychostoma gerlachi (Peters, 1881)

Cá Sỉnh gai nhỏ+

5. XenocyprididaeHọ cá Nhàng

Parazacco sp.

Cá Chuôn9semifasciolatus

DO.1

97

+

6. Gobionidae

Họ cá Đục10

Discogobio microstoma (Mai, 1978)

Cá Bám sừng11

Discogobio spp.

12

Hemibarbus cf. umbrifer

Cá Đục ó lạng sơn

II. Siluriformes

Bộ cá Nheo

1. Sisoridae

Họ cá Chiên

Euchiloglanis sp.

Cá Chiên pớm

13

+
+

+

+

+

+

2. Clariidae
14

15

16

17

18

19

Clarias fuscus (Lacepède, 1803)

Cá Trê đen

III. Gobiiformes

Bộ cá Bống1. Gobiidae

Họ cá Bống trắng

Rhinogobius duospilus (Herre, 1935)

Cá Bống suốiIV. Synbranchiformes

Bộ cá Mang liền1. SynbranchidaeHọ Lươn

Monopterus albus Zuiew, 1793Lươn thường

V. Anabantiformes

Bộ cá Rô đồng1. OsphronemidaeHọ cá tai tượng

Macropodus opercularis
1758)(Linnaeus, Cá Đuôi cờ thường

2. Channidae

Họ cá Chuối

Channa gachua (Hamilton, 1822)

Cá Chành dục

VI. Cyprinodontiformes

Bộ cá Chép răng1. Poeciliidae

Họ cá Khổng tướcGambusia affinis (Baird & Girard, Cá Ăn muỗi
1853)
Total

98

+

+

+

+

+

+

+

+

+

16

14

2.4. A completed list of fish collected in Nam Xuan Lac HSCA, Bac Kan Province≠

Scientific nameVietnamese name

I. Cypriniformes

Bộ cá Chép

1. Gastromyzontidae

Họ cá Chạch bám

NXL.1

NXL.2

1

Liniparhomaloptera cf. qiongzhongensis

+

+

2

Vanmanenia cf. caldwelli

+

+

+

+

2. Nemacheilidae

Họ cá Chạch suốiSchistura spp.

Cá chạch suối3. Cyprinidae

Họ cá Chép

4

Barbodes semifasciolatus (Günther, 1868)

Cá Đòng đong

+

+

5

Neolissochilus benasi (Pellegrin & Chevey, 1936)

Cá Rai++

6

Neolissochilus sp. (Nguyen & Doan, 1969)

+

+

7

Onychostoma gerlachi (Peters, 1881)

Cá Sỉnh gai nhỏ

+

+

8

Onychostoma lepturus (Boulenger, 1900)

Cá Phao+

4. XenocyprididaeHọ cá Nhàng

Opsariichthys minutus Nichols, 1926

Cá Cháo thường

++Cá Chuôn++

Cá Bướm chấm+12 Discogobio microstoma (Mai, 1978)

Cá Bám sừng++13 Placogobio bacmeensis Nguyen & Vo, 2001

Cá Thui

+

+

3

9

10 Parazacco sp.
5. Acheilognathidae
11 Rhodeus ocellatus (Kner, 1866)
6. Gobionidae

II. Siluriformes

Bộ cá Nheo

1. Bagridae

Họ cá LăngCá Lường

14 Hemibagrus pluriradiatus (Vaillant, 1892)

15

2. Sisoridae

Họ cá Chiên

Glyptothorax honghensis Li, 1984

Cá Chiên
Hồng

3. Clariidae

Họ Cá Trê

suối

sông

+

Cá Trê đen

16 Clarias fucus (Lacepède, 1803)

17+III. Gobiiformes

Bộ cá Bống1. Gobiidae

Họ Cá BốngRhinogobius lineatus Chen, Kottelat & Miller,
1999

99

+

+

+

+

Cá Bống đá

18 Rhinogobius sp.
IV. Synbranchiformes

Bộ cá Mang liền1. Mastacembelidae

Họ cá Chạch sông

19 Mastacembelus armatus (Lacepède, 1800)

Cá Chạch sông

+

+

+

+

Họ Lươn

2. SynbranchidaeLươn thường

20 Monopterus albus Zuiew, 1793
V. Anabantiformes

Bộ Cá rô đồng1. OsphronemidaeHọ cá Tai tượng
Cá Đuôi cờ thường

21 Macropodus opercularis (Linnaeus, 1758)
2. Channidae

+

+

+

Họ cá Chuối

22 Channa gachua (Hamilton, 1822)

Cá Chành dục

VI. Cichliformes

Bộ cá Rô phi

1. Cichlidae

Họ cá Rô phi

23 Oreochromis niloticus (Linnaeus, 1758)+

Cá Rô phi vằnVII. Cyprinodontiformes

Bộ cá Chép răng1. Poeciliidae

Họ cá Khổng tướcCá Ăn muỗi24 Gambusia affinis (Baird & Girard, 1853)
Total

+

+
21

100

19

Appendix 3. Photos of fish in the four protected areas in northern Vietnam
3.1. Photos of all fish collected from Cham Chu Nature Reserve, Tuyen Quang Province

101

102

103

104

3.2. Photos of some fish collected from Bac Me Nature Reserve, Ha Giang Province

105

106

107

3.3. Photos of all fish collected from Phia Oac-Phia Den National Park, Cao Bang Province.

108

109

3.4. Photos of all fish collected from Nam Xuan Lac HSCA, Bac Kan Province

110Chana gachua

111

Appendix 4. Sampling site and field work activities
4.1. Photos of all sampling sites in Cham Chu NR (Phu Luu and Cao Duong commune)

112

113

4.2. Photos of all sampling sites in Bac Me NR

114

4.3. Photos of all sampling sites in Phia Oac-Phia Den NP115

4.4. Photos of all sampling sites in Nam Xuan Lac HSCA

116

117

4.5. Photos of some field work activities

Collection of specimens in the field118

Fixation of specimens

Interview activities to understand the fisheries status in the study site119

A fishing gun used by a local fisher

Fish diversity monitoring introduction120