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Suigen bitterling (Rhodeus suigensis) — Cyprinidae

Suigen bitterling

Rhodeus suigensis
Family: Cyprinidae
EN · Endangered

The Suigen bitterling (Rhodeus suigensis) is a freshwater fish of the family Cyprinidae that grows up to 6 cm.

Length
6 cm
Water
Freshwater
Diet
Omnivore
Activity
Diurnal
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped
Substrate
Mixed bottom
Danger
Harmless

Description

The Suigen bitterling is a small cyprinid relative (Acheilognathidae) from slow-flowing fresh water of Korea and adjacent East Asia. The species grows to about 6 cm and has a deep, laterally compressed, silvery body that lights up with blue and pink tints in spawning males. Characteristically the female uses a long ovipositor to lay her eggs in the gill cavity of a living freshwater mussel, where the larvae grow up safely. Through habitat loss the species is endangered. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Suigen bitterling?

The Suigen bitterling has a torpedo-shaped body and is mainly silver-grey.

Where does the Suigen bitterling live?

The Suigen bitterling lives in fresh water and is mostly found around mixed bottom.

How big does the Suigen bitterling get?

The Suigen bitterling grows to a maximum of about 6 cm.

Is the Suigen bitterling dangerous to humans?

No, the Suigen bitterling is harmless to humans.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Suigen-bittervoorn sourced
English name
Suigen bitterling sourced
Scientific name
Rhodeus suigensis
Family
Cyprinidae
Other names
Suigen Zenitanago sourced

Appearance

Max length (cm)
6 sourced
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Silver / grey sourced
Tail shape
Forked inferred

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Freshwater sourced
Substrate
Mixed bottom sourced
Origin
Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Omnivore inferred
Territorial
No inferred
Activity
Diurnal inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes inferred
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred

For anglers

Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless verified

Status & sources

Sources
FishBase via GBIF (DwC-A), CC-BY-NC 4.0

Same genus Rhodeus

More from the family Cyprinidae

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