Rhodeus sericeus
Rhodeus sericeus (Pallas, 1776)
Bitterling
Rhodeus sericeus
photo by Naseka, A.M.

Family:  Acheilognathidae (Bitterlings)
Max. size:  11 cm TL (male/unsexed); max. reported age: 5 years
Environment:  benthopelagic; freshwater; pH range: 5.80000019073486 - 6.30000019073486; dH range: 2 - 3; depth range - 0 m, non-migratory
Distribution:  Asia. Amur basin and Sakhalin Island, Russia. Introduced elsewhere.
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 3-3; Dorsal soft rays (total): 8-10; Anal spines: 3-3; Anal soft rays: 8-10; Vertebrae: 34-38
Biology:  Adults occur in ponds, lakes, marshes, muddy and sandy pools and backwaters of rivers (Ref. 5723). They feed mainly on plant material but also on small larvae of insects. Their occurrence is related to those of the bivalve Anodonta cygnea and other freshwater mussels (Ref. 30578). Known for their habit of laying eggs in the mantle cavity of freshwater mussels (Ref. 1739). Reproduction takes place from April to June (Ref. 30578). Migratory behaviour is undetermined (Ref. 126106).
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 15 April 2020 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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