Home · Cyprinidae · Khanka spiny bitterling
Khanka spiny bitterling (Acanthorhodeus chankaensis) — Cyprinidae

Khanka spiny bitterling

Acanthorhodeus chankaensis
Family: Cyprinidae
NE · Not Evaluated

The Khanka spiny bitterling (Acanthorhodeus chankaensis) is a brackish-water fish of the family Cyprinidae that grows up to 14 cm.

Length
14.4 cm
Water
Brackish
Depth
0–? m
Diet
Omnivore
Behaviour
Small groups
Activity
Diurnal
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped
Substrate
Mixed bottom
Danger
Harmless
Edibility
Not eaten

Description

The Khanka spiny bitterling is a cyprinid bitterling from temperate East Asia, occurring in China, Korea and Russia. It grows to about 14 cm and has a laterally compressed, silvery body with two spines in both the dorsal and anal fins. Like all bitterlings it reproduces using freshwater mussels: with a long ovipositor the female lays her eggs inside the mantle cavity of a living mussel, where the young grow sheltered until they can swim. The fish lives in slow-flowing and still fresh and brackish water. The IUCN has not evaluated the species (NE).

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Khanka spiny bitterling?

The Khanka spiny bitterling has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a plain pattern.

Where does the Khanka spiny bitterling live?

The Khanka spiny bitterling lives in brackish water and is mostly found around mixed bottom.

How big does the Khanka spiny bitterling get?

The Khanka spiny bitterling grows to a maximum of about 14 cm.

Is the Khanka spiny bitterling dangerous to humans?

No, the Khanka spiny bitterling is harmless to humans.

Is the Khanka spiny bitterling edible?

The Khanka spiny bitterling is not usually eaten.

Download Fin's Fish Guide

Identify fish in seconds, log your catches and dives. Join the TestFlight beta.

Get the beta →

All data

Identification

Dutch name
Khanka-stekelbittervoorn verified
English name
Khanka spiny bitterling verified
Scientific name
Acanthorhodeus chankaensis
Family
Cyprinidae

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
14.4 verified
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Silver / grey sourced
Pattern
Plain inferred
Tail shape
Forked inferred
Mouth position
Terminal sourced
Lips
Thin sourced
Barbels
No sourced
Dorsal fins
One continuous sourced
Dorsal spines
Yes sourced

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Brackish sourced
Substrate
Mixed bottom sourced
Min depth (m)
0 sourced
Origin
Native verified

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Omnivore inferred
Social behaviour
Small groups inferred
Territorial
No sourced
Activity
Diurnal inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes sourced
Sexual dimorphism
Yes sourced

For anglers

Edibility
Not eaten sourced
Fishing method
Geen doelsoort voor de hengelsport; hooguit incidentele vangst of bruikbaar als aasvisje. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless sourced

Status & sources

Sources
FishBase via GBIF (DwC-A), CC-BY-NC 4.0

More from the family Cyprinidae

Download Fin's Fish Guide

Identify fish in seconds, log your catches and dives. Join the TestFlight beta.

Get the beta →