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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
Range
Asia: Japan, Korea (North), Korea (South)

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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. Asia: Japan, Korea (North), Korea (South)

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. 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.

More photos

Suigen bitterling (Rhodeus suigensis) — Cyprinidae — 2
Wikimedia Commons — Totti (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Suigen bitterling (Rhodeus suigensis) — Cyprinidae — 3
Wikimedia Commons — Totti (CC BY-SA 4.0)
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All data

Identification

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

Appearance

Size class
Small
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
Natural range
Asia: Japan, Korea (North), Korea (South) sourced
Origin
Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Omnivore inferred
Diet (detail)
Invertebrates, algae and detritus inferred
Territorial
No inferred
Activity
Diurnal inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes inferred
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred
Seasonality
Present year-round in its habitat; no pronounced seasonality known. inferred

For anglers

Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless verified
First aid
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. 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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