Fin's Fish Guide
The Light's bitterling (Rhodeus lighti) is a freshwater fish of the family Cyprinidae that grows up to 7 cm.
Description
Light's bitterling is a small cyprinid (Acheilognathidae) from slow-flowing and still fresh water of East Asia. The species grows to about 5 cm and has a deep, laterally compressed, silvery body that in spawning males lights up with rainbow colours. Remarkable is its reproduction: the female uses a long ovipositor to lay her eggs in the gill cavity of a live freshwater mussel, where the young grow up safely. It eats algae, small zooplankton and detritus. The fish is harmless to humans.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Light's bitterling?
The Light's bitterling has a torpedo-shaped body and is mainly silver-grey.
Where does the Light's bitterling live?
The Light's bitterling lives in fresh water and is mostly found around open water. Asia: China, Russia
How big does the Light's bitterling get?
The Light's bitterling grows to a maximum of about 7 cm.
Is the Light's bitterling dangerous to humans?
No, the Light's 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.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Rhodeus
More from the family Cyprinidae
Want the complete picture on the Light's bitterling?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Light's bitterling is one of 12,519 species in the app.