Research progress on the systematic evolution and plateau adaptation of schizothoracine fishes

Morphological variation in Schizothorax oconnori, Schizothorax waltoni (Teleostei: Cyprinidae: Schizothoracinae), and their natural hybrids from the middle Yarlung Zangbo River, Tibet

“…In contrast to genetic marker‐based methods, morphological approaches are less labor‐intensive and require expertise only in data processing and analysis (Ramya et al., 2021). Since schizothoracine fishes are polyploid fishes (Ma et al., 2023), identifying their hybrids by molecular markers is difficult. Therefore, morphology methods are effective for identifying S. oconnori , S. waltoni , and their natural hybrids.…”

“…However, related research is scarce at high altitudes for endemic species that encounter population degradation. Schizothoracine fishes are endemic to the central Asian plateau, with a total of 99 species and subspecies found in China, some of which hold significant scientific research and economic value (Ma et al., 2023). Regrettably, in recent years, the survival of schizothoracine fishes has been significantly jeopardized by human activities, including hydropower development, overfishing, sand mining, and biological invasion (Ma et al., 2023).…”

“…Schizothoracine fishes are endemic to the central Asian plateau, with a total of 99 species and subspecies found in China, some of which hold significant scientific research and economic value (Ma et al., 2023). Regrettably, in recent years, the survival of schizothoracine fishes has been significantly jeopardized by human activities, including hydropower development, overfishing, sand mining, and biological invasion (Ma et al., 2023). Many schizothoracine fishes now face critical endangerment, and are endangered, vulnerable, or near‐threatened (Ma et al., 2023).…”

“…Regrettably, in recent years, the survival of schizothoracine fishes has been significantly jeopardized by human activities, including hydropower development, overfishing, sand mining, and biological invasion (Ma et al., 2023). Many schizothoracine fishes now face critical endangerment, and are endangered, vulnerable, or near‐threatened (Ma et al., 2023). Notably, Schizothorax waltoni has been designated as China's national secondary key protected wildlife due to its declining population numbers (Forestry and Grassland Administration & Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, 2021).…”