Fin's Fish Guide
The Khanka spiny bitterling (Acanthorhodeus chankaensis) is a brackish-water fish of the family Cyprinidae that grows up to 14 cm.
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. Reproduces in living freshwater mussels; two spines in the dorsal and anal fin
Where does the Khanka spiny bitterling live?
The Khanka spiny bitterling lives in brackish water and is mostly found around mixed bottom. East Asia
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. 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 Khanka spiny bitterling edible?
The Khanka spiny bitterling is not usually eaten.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
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Status & sources
More from the family Cyprinidae
Want the complete picture on the Khanka spiny bitterling?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Khanka spiny bitterling is one of 12,519 species in the app.