{{Taxobox | name = Korean bonefish | image = | regnum = Animalia | phylum = Chordata | classis = Actinopterygii | ordo = Albuliformes | familia = Albulidae | genus = Albula | species = ''Albula koreana'' | binomial = ''Albula koreana'' | binomial_authority = Kwun & Kim, 2011 | status = NE | status_system = IUCN }}
Albula koreana, commonly known as the Korean bonefish, is a species of ray-finned fish belonging to the family Albulidae (bonefishes). It was scientifically described in 2011 by Kwun and Kim.
Description
Like other members of the genus ''Albula'', the Korean bonefish possesses an elongated, fusiform body that is silvery in coloration. It typically has a pointed, conical snout and a small, subterminal mouth, adapted for rooting in soft substrates. The dorsal and anal fins are relatively small, and the caudal fin is deeply forked. Specific morphological characteristics that distinguish ''Albula koreana'' from its congeners include meristic counts (e.g., number of fin rays, vertebrae) and specific proportional measurements of body parts, which are detailed in its original scientific description.Distribution and Habitat
''Albula koreana'' is native to the western North Pacific Ocean. Its known distribution is primarily centered around the coastal waters of the Korean Peninsula, from which it derives its specific epithet. This species typically inhabits shallow, warm temperate to subtropical marine environments. It is often found over sandy or muddy bottoms, frequently in estuaries, lagoons, or near shorelines where it can forage for benthic organisms.Biology and Ecology
As a bonefish, ''Albula koreana'' is a benthic feeder. It uses its hard, pointed snout to probe and dig into the sediment for prey. Its diet primarily consists of various benthic invertebrates, including worms, crustaceans (such as shrimp and crabs), and small mollusks. Bonefishes are known for their strong swimming ability and often move in schools, especially juveniles. Details regarding its reproductive biology and specific life cycle traits are still being studied, but they are generally thought to follow patterns similar to other ''Albula'' species, which typically involve pelagic larval stages.Conservation Status
As a relatively recently described species (2011), the conservation status of ''Albula koreana'' has not yet been formally assessed by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List. Therefore, its status is currently listed as "Not Evaluated" (NE). Like many coastal species, it may be subject to various pressures including habitat degradation, coastal development, and incidental capture in fisheries.Etymology
The genus name ''Albula'' is derived from the Latin word "albulus," meaning "whitish," referring to the typical silvery-white coloration of these fish. The specific epithet ''koreana'' is a geographical descriptor, indicating that the species was discovered in and is associated with Korea.References
- Kwun, H.J. & Kim, J.K. (2011). ''Albula koreana'', a new species of bonefish (Albuliformes: Albulidae) from Korea. Zootaxa, 2988, 59–64.