Formosan salmon facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Oncorhynchus masou formosanus |
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| Conservation status | |
Scientific classification  |
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| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Actinopterygii |
| Order: | Salmoniformes |
| Family: | Salmonidae |
| Genus: | Oncorhynchus |
| Species: |
O. masou
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| Subspecies: |
O. m. formosanus
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| Trinomial name | |
| Oncorhynchus masou formosanus (D. S. Jordan & Ōshima, 1919)
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The Formosan salmon (scientific name: Oncorhynchus masou formosanus) is a very special and rare freshwater fish. It is also known as the Taiwanese trout, Tsugitaka trout, Lishan trout, or Slamaw trout. This fish lives only in the mountain streams of Taiwan. It is found between the Xueshan and Central Ranges.
This salmon is the southernmost type of masu salmon. It is one of the few salmon species that can live in warmer areas.
Contents
What Does It Look Like?
Adult Formosan salmon are about 1 ft (30 cm) long. Younger fish are usually around 15 cm (5.9 in) long. Their bodies are dark green with a shiny silver belly. Each side has nine oval-shaped dark spots. There are also 11 to 13 smaller black spots.
During mating season, male salmon turn a dark red color on their sides. This helps them attract a mate.
Where Does It Live?
Formosan salmon need cold, slow-moving streams. These streams must have gently sloping bottoms. Even though Taiwan is subtropical, these fish only live at high places. They are found above 1,500 metres (4,900 ft) (about 4,900 feet) where the water stays cool. The water temperature must be below 16 °C (61 °F) (61°F).
You can find them in places like the Chichiawan Stream. They also live in the Kaoshan Stream. Both are in the upper parts of the Dajia River. These areas are inside Shei-Pa National Park.
This salmon is a survivor from a long time ago. After the Last Ice Age, the lower Dajia River became warmer. This trapped the salmon in the cool highland valleys. Today, it is the salmon species that lives furthest south in Asia.
Why Is It Endangered?
The Formosan salmon is one of the rarest fish on Earth. Its population is in great danger of disappearing forever. Long ago, it was an important food for the local Taiwanese aborigines, like the Atayal people. They called it bunban, mnbang, or n'bang.
Too much fishing caused its numbers to drop. Now, it is a protected species. Conservationists are working hard to save it. The biggest threat today is water pollution.
In 1992, only about 200 Formosan salmon were left. But thanks to strong conservation efforts, their numbers have grown! By 2020, there were 12,587 fish. In March 2023, the number reached a new high of 15,374. This shows that protecting nature can really make a difference.
How Scientists Classify It
Scientists sometimes disagree on how to classify the Formosan salmon. Some think it's just like the regular cherry salmon. Others believe it's a special regional type. Still others think it's a completely different species.
See also
- List of protected species in Taiwan
- List of endemic species of Taiwan
