Species in the Yangtze River
There are many different species in the Yangtze River. Whether they live in the river itself, or near the river. Of course, the ones that are directly in the river is endangered because of all the hazards in the river. (Pollution.) But, anyway, this list will focus specifically on the species that live inside the Yangtze River itself.
The Chinese Alligator
The Chinese Alligator is actually the only living species that is an alligator in China. Although the Chinese Alligator looks very similar to the American Alligator, it is actually much smaller. They are only about 1.5 meters (5 feet) in length, and weighs about 45 kilograms (100 pounds). Since they live in the Yangtze River itself, the Chinese Alligator is critically endangered because of all the pollution in the river. Fortunately however, many people are trying to help the Chinese Alligator by re-populating them in wild habitats, and forcing some rules on trading, and worldwide exportation.
They generally like to eat fish, but occasionally they manage to catch a bird or two. Pond snails, and other shell fish are also on their food list.
The Yangtze Giant Softshell Turtle
These creatures are also very rare. Similarly to the Chinese Alligator, the Yangtze Giant Softshell Turtle has a counterpart that it looks similar to. The Giant Softshell Turtle is known for its deep head, and its pig-like snout. And obviously, they have a smooth, non-scaly, leathery, soft shell. Hence its name, Softshell Turtle. This adaptation allows the turtle to move more easily in the muddy waters.
The Chinese Giant Salamander
Dim, rocky mountain streams are usually the preferable habitat for the Giant Salamander. But, the salamander is over hunted for its use of tradition Chinese medicines. And dark dwelling places made the Giant Salamanders go nearly blind. So, for finding food, the salamanders use their sensory nodes to detect wherever their prey is. Surprisingly, the Giant Salamander doesn't really fit its name because of how small the Chinese Salamander can be, but there are some that actually can reach up to 1.8 meters (5.9 feet).
Chinese Giant Salamanders prefer eating a variety of different types of fish. They also eat worms, carrion, and insects larvae. Sometimes, these salamanders will even eat their won tadpoles, as well as their own shed skin, and eggs. They represent cannibalistic behavior.
The Chinese Paddlefish
Being one of the largest freshwater fish in the world, the Chinese Paddlefish can reach up to 2 meters (6.5 feet) in length, and about 25 kilograms (5 pounds) in weight. They are born with natural long paddle-like snouts, giving them the name the Chinese Paddlefish. They use the snout to stir up the bottom of the Yangtze River to get their food. Like all the other species listed, these fish are critically in danger. Dams divide, and isolate groups, threatening the Chinese Paddlefish.
The Yangtze Sturgeon
Apparently, this type of fish was actually thought to be alive alongside with the dinosaurs. The Sturgeons can live in both freshwater areas, and saltwater. When the Sturgeon wants reproduce, they migrate upstream in the Yangtze's fresh water. And like every other specie on this list, the Yangtze Sturgeon is endangered by pollution. However, a reproducing program was established in attempt to help protect the population level in the Yangtze River, before all of the species are gone for goo