Fin's Fish Guide
The Barbel bitterling (Acheilognathus barbatulus) is a freshwater fish of the family Cyprinidae that grows up to 9 cm.
Description
The barbel bitterling is a small carp-like fish from East and Southeast Asia, including the Mekong basin in Laos and Yunnan, northern Vietnam and southern China. The species grows to about 9 cm and has a deep, silvery body with a small barbel. Like other bitterlings it has a remarkable reproduction: the female uses a long ovipositor to lay her eggs inside living freshwater mussels, where the young grow up safely until they can swim. The fish is harmless to humans and is assessed as Least Concern (LC) by the IUCN.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Barbel bitterling?
The Barbel bitterling has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a plain pattern. The female lays eggs with an ovipositor in living freshwater mussels
Where does the Barbel bitterling live?
The Barbel bitterling lives in fresh water and is mostly found around mixed bottom. East and Southeast Asia
How big does the Barbel bitterling get?
The Barbel bitterling grows to a maximum of about 9 cm.
Is the Barbel bitterling dangerous to humans?
No, the Barbel bitterling is harmless to humans. This species is harmless to humans. No specific first aid is needed. Still handle the fish with care: mind the fin rays and the sharp edges of the gill cover, and rinse any scratch with clean water and cover it. For a dirty or deep wound check tetanus status.
Is the Barbel bitterling edible?
The Barbel bitterling is not usually eaten.
More photos
Want the complete picture on the Barbel bitterling?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Barbel bitterling is one of 12,519 species in the app.
All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Acheilognathus
More from the family Cyprinidae
Want the complete picture on the Barbel bitterling?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Barbel bitterling is one of 12,519 species in the app.