Fin's Fish Guide
The Chinese bitterling (Rhodeus sinensis) is a brackish-water fish of the family Cyprinidae that grows up to 11 cm.
Description
The Chinese bitterling is a small cyprinid from East Asia, including China and Korea. The species grows to about 11 cm and has a deep, laterally compressed, silvery body; courting males develop handsome pink and blue tints. It inhabits quiet, vegetated parts of rivers, ponds and ditches. Notable is its reproduction: the female uses a long ovipositor to lay her eggs in the gill chamber of a living freshwater mussel, where the larvae grow up protected - a remarkable symbiosis. As an omnivore it feeds on algae, small zooplankton and detritus. The species is harmless to humans.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Chinese bitterling?
The Chinese bitterling has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a plain pattern. The female lays the eggs in a living freshwater mussel with a long ovipositor; spawning males pink-blue.
Where does the Chinese bitterling live?
The Chinese bitterling lives in brackish water and is mostly found around mixed bottom. East Asia; calm, vegetated parts of rivers, ponds and ditches.
How big does the Chinese bitterling get?
The Chinese bitterling grows to a maximum of about 11 cm. On average the species is around 4 cm.
Is the Chinese bitterling dangerous to humans?
No, the Chinese bitterling is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Chinese bitterling edible?
The Chinese bitterling is rarely eaten.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
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Status & sources
Same genus Rhodeus
More from the family Cyprinidae
Want the complete picture on the Chinese bitterling?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Chinese bitterling is one of 12,519 species in the app.