'Living fossils' return to the Yangtze
2026-04-25 17:04:08
Yichang released 1,600 Chinese sturgeon into the Yangtze River near Lighthouse Square on April 24.
A total of 41,600 fish fry are released into the Yangtze River at Lighthouse Square in Xiaoting Distrct on April 24.
Photo by Fu Beibei
Photo by Fu Beibei
The release also included 20,000 Rhinogobio cylindricus and 20,000 longsnout catfish, helping replenish fish resources in the Yichang section of the Yangtze River.
All 1,600 Chinese sturgeon released measure over 15 centimeters long and are implanted with a PIT tag, allowing researchers to track migration, survival, and the effectiveness of the release program.
Known as “living fossils,” Chinese sturgeon are considered a flagship species of the Yangtze River’s aquatic ecosystem, reflecting the river’s ecological health.
Since 2020, Yichang has released 27,600 Chinese sturgeon, 289,000 Rhinogobio cylindricus, and 14.52 million other valuable fish.
Zheng Yan and Xu Mingming contributed to this story.
