Fin's Fish Guide
The Rosy bitterling (Rhodeus ocellatus) is a freshwater fish of the family Cyprinidae that grows up to 9 cm.
East Asia, in slow-flowing to stagnant fresh water of rivers, lakes and ponds of China, Japan and surroundings, where freshwater mussels occur.
Description
The rosy bitterling is a small, deep-bodied cyprinid of the family Cyprinidae reaching about 9 cm. The laterally compressed, silvery body has a green-blue lengthwise stripe along the rear flank; in the breeding season the male turns a beautiful rosy purple. The species comes from East Asia and, like the European bitterling, depends on freshwater mussels for its reproduction: with a long ovipositor the female lays the eggs in the gill cavity of a living mussel, where they grow up safely. It lives in slow to still water with abundant water plants and eats algae, small zooplankton and insect larvae. As an ornamental and aquarium fish it has been released in parts of Europe and elsewhere, where it locally goes feral.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Rosy bitterling?
The Rosy bitterling has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a horizontal stripes pattern. Small, deep-bodied cyprinid; in the spawning season the male colours pink-purple and the female lays the eggs in a living freshwater mussel with a long ovipositor.
Where does the Rosy bitterling live?
The Rosy bitterling lives in fresh water and is mostly found around algae or seagrass beds. East Asia, in slow-flowing to stagnant fresh water of rivers, lakes and ponds of China, Japan and surroundings, where freshwater mussels occur.
How big does the Rosy bitterling get?
The Rosy bitterling grows to a maximum of about 9 cm. On average the species is around 5 cm.
Is the Rosy bitterling dangerous to humans?
No, the Rosy bitterling is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Rosy bitterling edible?
The Rosy bitterling is not usually eaten.
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Same genus Rhodeus
More from the family Cyprinidae
Want the complete picture on the Rosy bitterling?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Rosy bitterling is one of 12,519 species in the app.