[Freshwater fish] Order Siluriformes Family Amblycipitidae(Torrent catfishes) Eastern torrent catfish Liobagrus hyeongsanensis(Kim, Kim & Park, 2015). Max length: 9 cm TL Korean name/dong-bang-ja-ga-ri(동방자가사리) D/spine 2, soft ray 6. A/spine 0, soft ray 15~18. Vertebrae/38~40. GR/6~8
Distribution; Asia/Endemic to Korea. Upper reaches of Hyeongsan River, Taehwa River and Daejong Stream in Gyeongsangbuk-do, South Korea(south eastern region); rivers flowing to the eastern coasts. General; A new species described in 2015; separated from the population of Liobagrus mediadiposalis. Liobagrus hyeongsanensis can be differentiated from its congeners by the following characteristics: a small size with a maximum length of 9cm TL; versus Liobagrus mediadiposalis(14cm TL) and Liobagrus somjinensis(15cm TL). A relatively short pectoral spine; a reduced body-width at pectoral-fin base; Body elongated and cylindrical, head depressed, peduncle compressed. Eye very small, located at the fore part of dorso-head and covered with thin membrane. Mouth open downwards, upper jaw slightly longer than lower jaw. Scales absent. 4 pairs of barbels; 2 pairs on upper and lower jaws respectively. Lateral line absent or vestigial. 3~4 serrations on pectoral fin spine. Spine on dorsal fin relatively short. Caudal fin with 50–54.
Body and fins entirely brownish-yellow without distinct markings. Dorsal, anal, and adipose fins with or without narrow brownish band on the margin. inhabits bottoms covered with gravel and boulders in upper streams and valley streams. Spawn in April to June. 60–110 eggs per gravid female. Lay eggs beneath stones attaching. Hide in crevices or under stones in day time, act at night. Feed on aquatic insects. Vulnerable to river control work, need to protection.
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