Unnamed Pond in Zengcheng, Guangzhou, China

Environment

Surrounding area

The pond is surrounded by numerous low mountains and hills, with the mountain vegetation dominated by south subtropical evergreen broad – leaved forests. Patches of Phyllostachys edulis and Canarium pimela grow under the forest, forming a dense understory. The surrounding farmlands and ancient village settlements constitute a semi – natural ecosystem, where birds often forage on the pond shore at dawn and dusk. In summer, dragonfly larvae can be seen emerging from the water plants, completing their eclosion process.

Underwater landscape

The underwater area of the pond is mainly dominated by Vallisneria spiralis and Hydrilla verticillata. As the shore is primarily covered by shrubs and herbaceous plants with minimal shading, the aquatic plants and stones underwater are covered with abundant algae.

Fish list:

• Macropodus opercularis (Osphronemidae)
• Barbodes semifasciolatus (Cyprinidae)
• Rhinogobius similis (Oxudercidae)
• Rhodeus ocellatus (Acheilognathidae)
• Coptodon zillii (Cichlidae) – IAS

Molluscs:

• Cipangopaludina cathayensis (Viviparidae)

Aquatic plants:

• Vallisneria spiralis (Hydrocharitaceae)
  
• Hydrilla verticillata (Hydrocharitaceae)
  

Threats to ecology