bin

Li River tributary, Guilin, Guangxi, China

Sponsored by
Brine Shrimp Legend Since 1965

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

Warning: Undefined array key "additional_species" in /home/biotopea/public_html/wp-content/themes/bap/functions/bap-fields.php on line 349

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:

  • Neritina sp. (Neritidae)

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.

Sitography

→ Seriously Fish
→ iNaturalist