Preliminary Investigation of Fish Diversity in Huayang River based on eDNA Technology

Environmental DNA (eDNA) was used to study fish biodiversity in the Huayang River to identify new ways to monitor and protect fish diversity. 23 sites were set up in the Huayang River on 23 September. Analytical procedures were used to detect fish diversity, including water sampling, eDNA extraction, genetic marker amplification and sequencing, and database comparison. 49 fish species were identified, classified into six orders, 12 families and 34 genera. The most common fish were the big-finned goby, group-headed pomfrets, yellowfin spiny goby, short-bearded goby and coloured rocky carp. H18 and H18 are the most prevalent species globally. The diversity index showed that H18 and H23 had the highest fish diversity, while H5 had the lowest. eDNA technology can rapidly ascertain fish diversity and distribution in the Pearl River. Combining eDNA with traditional monitoring methods can enhance fish biodiversity data.