Fin's Fish Guide
The Tabira bitterling (Acheilognathus tabira) is a freshwater fish of the family Cyprinidae that grows up to 8 cm.
East Asia (Japan), in clear ponds, lakes and slow-flowing rivers with freshwater mussels.
Description
The tabira bitterling is a small, deep-bodied cyprinid of the family Acheilognathidae (bitterlings) reaching about 8 cm. The compressed, silvery body has a bluish lengthwise stripe over the rear half; breeding males colour up vividly with blue and red-orange tints. Characteristic is the special reproduction: the female develops a long ovipositor and lays the eggs in the gill cavity of a living freshwater mussel, where the larvae grow up sheltered - a partnership between fish and mussel. The species comes from Japan and lives in clear ponds, lakes and slow-flowing rivers where such mussels occur. It eats algae, zooplankton, insect larvae and detritus. It is popular in the coldwater aquarium hobby.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Tabira bitterling?
The Tabira bitterling has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a horizontal stripes pattern. Small, deep-bodied cyprinid that deposits its eggs in the gill cavity of a living freshwater mussel; the male colours brightly in the spawning season.
Where does the Tabira bitterling live?
The Tabira bitterling lives in fresh water and is mostly found around algae or seagrass beds. East Asia (Japan), in clear ponds, lakes and slow-flowing rivers with freshwater mussels.
How big does the Tabira bitterling get?
The Tabira bitterling grows to a maximum of about 8 cm.
Is the Tabira bitterling dangerous to humans?
No, the Tabira bitterling is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Tabira bitterling edible?
The Tabira bitterling is not usually eaten.
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Same genus Acheilognathus
More from the family Cyprinidae
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Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Tabira bitterling is one of 12,519 species in the app.