Importance and perspective of study on fish in paddy fields and canals.

Abstract

This study provides basic information to increase understanding of study on fish ecology in a paddy field (including agricultural canal) and proposes future issues of the study field based on a short review. First, we identify fish species that spawn in paddy fields in the Kiso River system and emphasize the importance of paddy fields for fish communities and populations. Second, we describe features of irrigation and river networks, structures of paddy field and canal, and irrigation methods. Finally, we review and classify previous studies on fish ecology in paddy fields and propose future issues.