Fin's Fish Guide
The Japanese bitterling (Acheilognathus melanogaster) is a freshwater fish of the family Cyprinidae that grows up to 5 cm.
East Asia (Japan), in clear ponds, lakes and slow-flowing streams with freshwater mussels.
Description
The Japanese bitterling is a small, deep-bodied cyprinid of the family Acheilognathidae (bitterlings) reaching about 5 cm. The compressed, silvery body has a dark lengthwise stripe; breeding males colour up vividly with yellowish and dark tints. Characteristic is the special reproduction: the female develops a long ovipositor and lays the eggs in the gill cavity of a living freshwater mussel, where the larvae grow up sheltered - a partnership between fish and mussel. The species comes from Japan and lives in clear ponds, lakes and slow-flowing streams where such mussels occur. It eats algae, zooplankton, insect larvae and detritus. It is popular in the coldwater aquarium hobby.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Japanese bitterling?
The Japanese bitterling has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a horizontal stripes pattern. Small, deep-bodied cyprinid that deposits its eggs in the gill cavity of a living freshwater mussel; the male colours brightly in the spawning season.
Where does the Japanese bitterling live?
The Japanese bitterling lives in fresh water and is mostly found around algae or seagrass beds. East Asia (Japan), in clear ponds, lakes and slow-flowing streams with freshwater mussels.
How big does the Japanese bitterling get?
The Japanese bitterling grows to a maximum of about 5 cm.
Is the Japanese bitterling dangerous to humans?
No, the Japanese bitterling is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Japanese bitterling edible?
The Japanese bitterling is not usually eaten.
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Same genus Acheilognathus
More from the family Cyprinidae
Want the complete picture on the Japanese bitterling?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Japanese bitterling is one of 12,519 species in the app.