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Hegu River, Heshan City, Jiangmen, Guangdong, China
China, Guangdong, Jiangmen
This river, located in the city where I live, is a remarkably fascinating ecosystem. Its shallow sections are densely covered with aquatic vegetation, providing an ideal habitat for shrimp and small fish to feed, grow, and thrive. The stream receives abundant sunlight, resulting in high levels of dissolved oxygen, which creates favourable conditions for species such as gobies and loaches.
The river also features deeper pools that are home to long-fin dace. During the breeding season, these fish migrate into the shallow areas to carry out their reproductive activities.
It is truly remarkable that such a small river supports such a rich diversity of aquatic life. I find it endlessly fascinating, and it inspires me to share the beauty and ecological richness of this natural environment with others.
- Submitted by
- Tan Junqi
- Approved by
- Sun Kai, Zhou Hang & Wei-Cheng Jhuang
- GPS
- 22.5945892, 112.8105621
- Geographical region
- Eastern Asia
- Drainage Basin
- Pearl River Delta region
- River catchment
- Xijiang (West River)
- Water body type
- Creek
- Water body name
- Hegu
- Water body part
- Open water
- Water body course
- Middle course
- Water body: tributary of
- Tributary name
Videos above and below water
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Water Chemistry
Water information
- Water type
- Freshwater
- Water color
- Clear water
- Water transparency
- Medium
- Concentration of sediments
- Medium
- Water temperature
- 24-28 °C
- Water flow/curent
- Slow
Chemical parameters
- pH
- Conductivity
- GH
- dGH
- KH
- dKH
- Dissolved Oxygen
- 9 %
Substrate in nature
- Sand
- Beige
- Pebble/Gravel
- Mixed
- Stone
- Mixed
- Stone form
- Irregular
- Silt/Mud
- Orange
- Leaves
- Many
- Driftwood
- Few
- Submerged terrestrial vegetation
- Yes
Aquatic Biotope
- Date of collecting
- 20 may, 2026
- Collecting area
- River bank
- Water depth
- 0,2m
- Air temperature
- 28 °C
- Sunlight
- Partial shade
Environment
- Environment
- Affected by human activity
- Affected by human activity
- Pollution
- Pollution
- Little
- Surrounding area
The Hegu River, located in Heshan, Jiangmen, Guangdong Province, is a freshwater ecosystem that has always inspired a unique sense of wonder. Surrounded by lush, mature trees, it provides a peaceful natural environment while receiving abundant sunlight throughout the day.
During the rainy season, the water level increases and the current becomes significantly stronger. Under normal conditions, however, the river remains relatively shallow, with depths typically ranging from 25 to 40 cm. The water temperature remains suitable for aquatic life, creating favourable conditions for a diverse community of freshwater organisms.
With its balanced ecological conditions and rich aquatic biodiversity, the Hegu River represents an excellent example of a healthy freshwater ecosystem.
Fish:
- Opsariichthys evolans (Cyprinidae) – 30
- Rhodeus ocellatus (Cyprinidae) – 50
- Rhinogobius giurinus (Gobiidae) – 30
- Traccatichthys pulcher (Cobitidae) – 5
- Crossostoma stigmata (Gastromyzontidae) – 10
Crustaceans:
- Neocaridina denticulata sinensis (Atyidae)
Wetland plant:
- Acorus tatarinowii (Acoraceae)
Aquatic moss:
Aufwuchs
- Underwater landscape
The underwater environment consists of shallow areas bordered by abundant aquatic vegetation, submerged wood, and fallen tree debris. These structural elements provide essential shelter and refuge for small fish and freshwater shrimp.
The central section of the stream receives abundant sunlight throughout most of the year, promoting the growth of beneficial algae and natural biofilm. This productive environment provides suitable habitat and feeding grounds for gobies and loaches while contributing to elevated dissolved oxygen levels in the water. As a result, species such as the long-fin dace are also able to thrive and establish stable populations within this ecosystem.
- Threats to ecology
As human development and land use continue to expand, nearby agricultural activities increasingly rely on pesticides, which represent a potential source of pollution for the stream. At the same time, the ecosystem faces additional pressure from invasive species, including tilapia and other non-native organisms, which may threaten the survival, growth, and long-term conservation of China’s unique native aquatic fauna.
After visiting this remarkable habitat, I was inspired to use my own observations and experiences to recreate a biotope that faithfully represents this natural environment. My goal is not only to provide a habitat reflecting the characteristics of the original ecosystem, but also to highlight the extraordinary beauty and ecological value of this unique freshwater stream.
