Bitterling (Rhodeus sericeus)

Scientific name: Rhodeus sericeus Pallas, 1776

The Bitterling (Rhodeus sericeus) is a freshwater fish of the family Cyprinidae. In the aquarium it needs water at 18–21°C (64–70°F).

Bitterling care at a glance

Temperature: 18–21°C (64–70°F)

Biology

Occurs in ponds, lakes, marshes, muddy and sandy pools and backwaters of rivers. Feeds mainly on plant material but also on small larvae of insects. Its occurrence is related to those of the bivalve Anodonta cygnea and other freshwater mussels. Known for its habit of laying its eggs in the mantle cavity of freshwater mussels. Reproduction takes place from April to June.

Source: FishBase, licensed CC BY-NC 4.0.

Species facts

Scientific name: Rhodeus sericeus
Family: Cyprinidae (Minnows or carps)
Order: Cypriniformes (Carps)
Class: Actinopterygii (Ray-finned fishes)
Maximum length: 11.0
Environment: Freshwater;; pH range: 5.8 - 6.3; dH range: 2 - 3 benthopelagic; potamodromous; depth range 0 - ? m
Climate: Temperate
Distribution: Eurasia: with disjunct range of distribution. Subspecies Rhodeus sinensis amarus found in central and eastern Europe, the Russian republics adjacent to Europe and Turkey. Subspecies Rhodeus sinensis sinensis found in the Jangtze basin. In Appendix III of the Bern Convention (protected fauna).
Conservation status (IUCN): Lower Risk: least concern (LR/lc)
Threat to humans: Harmless
Uses: Fisheries: of no interest; aquarium: public aquariums
Resilience: Medium, minimum population doubling time 1.4 - 4.4 years (tm=2; tmax=5; Fec=100)