bin
Li River tributary, Guilin, Guangxi, China
China, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Guilin
This biotope replicates a cool, fast-flowing mountain stream feeding into the Li River in the Guangxi region of Southern China. These streams originate in the forested hills near Guilin, known for their karst formations and biodiversity.
The waters are clear and oxygen-rich, flowing over smooth stones with patches of gravel and leaf debris. Native to this ecosystem are White Cloud Mountain Minnow Tanichthys albonubes and Hillstream Loach Sewellia lineolata, which thrive in the shaded, algae-coated rocks. The habitat is relatively pristine, though increasing human activity in the region poses ecological risks.
- Submitted by
- Shivansh Rajpoot
- Approved by
- Sun Kai & Zhou Hang
- GPS
- 25.8920002, 110.2970963
- Geographical region
- Eastern Asia
- Drainage Basin
- Pearl River Basin
- River catchment
- Li River
- Water body type
- Stream
- Water body name
- Unnamed forest stream near Longsheng
- Water body part
- Rapids
- Water body course
- Headwaters
- Water body: tributary of
- River
- Tributary name
- Li River
Warning: Undefined variable $fish_parent in /home/biotopea/public_html/wp-content/themes/bap/content-bin.php on line 55
Water Chemistry
Water information
- Water type
- fresh-water
- Water color
- Clear water
- Water transparency
- High
- Concentration of sediments
- No
- Water temperature
- 24 °C
- Water flow/curent
- Very strong
Chemical parameters
- pH
- 6.5
- Conductivity
- 100
- GH
- 125 mg/l
- dGH
- KH
- 36 mg/l
- dKH
- Dissolved Oxygen
- 95 %
Substrate in nature
- Sand
- White
- Pebble/Gravel
- Grey
- Stone
- Grey
- Stone form
- Roundish
- Silt/Mud
- Brown
- Leaves
- Few
- Driftwood
- Many
- Submerged terrestrial vegetation
- None
Aquatic Biotope
- Date of collecting
- 03/03/2025
- Collecting area
- River bank
- Water depth
- 0,2m
- Air temperature
- 24 °C
- Sunlight
- Partial shade
Environment
- Surrounding area
The biotope is located in the subtropical forested highlands of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Southern China, near Guilin and Longsheng.
These mountainous regions are characterized by karst limestone formations, bamboo forests, and tea plantations. Streams originate from forested slopes and flow through valleys, providing cool, clear water year-round. The surrounding area supports dense evergreen forest and is home to rich biodiversity, including endemic plants, birds, and amphibians. Human development is present but sparse in upper elevations.
- Underwater landscape
This mountain stream features clear, fast-flowing water moving over a substrate of smooth round grey stones, pebbles, and white sand. Algae and biofilm cover most surfaces, supporting the diet of grazing species like Sewellia lineolata. Occasional leaf litter and driftwood accumulate in calmer pockets.
The water is shallow (20-50cm) and highly oxygenated. There is minimal submerged vegetation except for small clumps of Vallisneria spiralis or seasonal mosses on rocks. Fish swim in strong current, using stones and wood for shelter.
Fish list:
- Tanichthys albonubes (Cyprinidae)
- Sewellia lineolata (Balitoridae)
Mollusc list:
Aquatic plant list:
- Vallisneria spiralis (Hydrocharitaceae)
Aquatic moss:
Taxiphyllum barbieri (Hypnaceae)
- Threats to ecology
While many upland streams remain pristine, increasing agricultural runoff, deforestation, and tourism expansion pose growing threats.
Water pollution from fertilizers and erosion due to land clearance can alter stream chemistry and habitat structure.
Native fish species like Tanichthys albonubes and Sewellia spp. face population pressure from collection for the aquarium trade.
Conservation of headwater streams is vital to maintain water quality and preserve the ecological integrity of this unique habitat.
Bibliography
-
Zoological Survey of India - The Asian Hillstream Loaches
by Ralf Britz
ISBN 9788181712703
-
Raffles Bulletin of Zoology - Fishes of the inland waters of SE Asia
by Kottelat, M.
