Bitterling

D-Bitterling; GB-Bitterling; DK-Amurbitterling; PL-Różanka; LT-Kartuolės; LV-Spidiļķi; EST-Harilik mõrukas; RU-Горчаки; FIN-Katkerokala; S-Bitterling

Characters

1) Long dorsal fin (approximately about over half of back).
2) Long anal fin (only slightly shorter than dorsal fin).
3) Longitudinal stripe on caudal peduncle (in females dark, in males blueish-greenish)
?) Body high.
Often 5 to 6 cm, max. 9 cm length.

Similar species

- unmistakable

Biology

Lives in small swarms in densely vegetated, shallow, standing or slow-flowing waters. Egg development is only possible in mussels. Females develope an ovipositor during spawning season. With the ovipositor the female deposits about one to four eggs in the gill chamber of the mussel. Males release their sperms right after into the mussel. The development from the egg to free swimming larvae occurs inside the mussel.

Diet

They feed on algae and soft plant material, but also on small invertebrates.

Importance

Popular as ornamental fish.

Endangerment

Strong decline of stocks; mussel populations decline first due to constructions and water pollution, mussels depend on a good water quality, and this affects the bitterling who needs the mussels for reproduction.