TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — The Shei-Pa National Park Headquarters announced the opening of the renovated Formosan landlocked salmon exhibition center, a popular attraction for visitors to the Wuling area, on Tuesday (July 2). 

The center showcases the critically endangered Formosan landlocked salmon, also known as Taiwan's “National Treasure Fish.” The Formosan landlocked salmon is a relict of the Ice Age, according to Taiwan Wetland.

The ecological center opened in 2006 and has been in operation for over 10 years. The renovation project, completed on July 1, aims to enhance the visitor experience.

The tank is designed to simulate the natural stream ecology of Qijiawan Creek, the salmon’s original habitat. Visitors can observe the fish from various perspectives, feeling as if they are standing beside the creek.

The tanks incorporate features like adjusted water flow, and fallen trees and stones are arranged to create waterfalls, pools, shoals, and slow currents in different water depths. Native plants of Qijiawan Creek are also planted on the banks.

The tank design allows visitors to view the fish from both eye level and overhead. This allows for observation of the salmon’s physical characteristics, such as the eight to 12 elliptical spots on their sides and the hook-shaped snout, as well as a sense of their movement upstream.

For a glimpse into the wild habitat, visitors can watch a live video feed from underwater cameras installed at the Qijiawan Creek fish-watching platform. The footage is available on YouTube through a channel operated by FMCATV.

The Formosan landlocked salmon exhibition center is open daily from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., and 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., except for Mondays.