Fin's Fish Guide
The Chinese bleak (Aphyocypris chinensis) is a freshwater fish of the family Cyprinidae that grows up to 6 cm.
Description
The Venus fish is a small cyprinid (Cyprinidae) from East Asia. The species grows to only a few centimetres and has a slender, silvery body, sometimes with a bright lengthwise stripe. It inhabits rivers, streams, ditches and paddy fields, often in slow-flowing or still water among vegetation. As an omnivore it forages on small zooplankton, insects, algae and detritus. It lives in schools. The species is harmless to humans.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Chinese bleak?
The Chinese bleak has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a plain pattern. Small, shoaling cyprinid of rice fields, ditches and slow-flowing waters.
Where does the Chinese bleak live?
The Chinese bleak lives in fresh water and is mostly found around mixed bottom. East Asia; rivers, streams, ditches and rice fields.
How big does the Chinese bleak get?
The Chinese bleak grows to a maximum of about 6 cm. On average the species is around 5 cm.
Is the Chinese bleak dangerous to humans?
No, the Chinese bleak is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Chinese bleak edible?
The Chinese bleak is rarely eaten.
More photos
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Aphyocypris
More from the family Cyprinidae
Want the complete picture on the Chinese bleak?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Chinese bleak is one of 12,519 species in the app.