Rosy Bitterling
Rhodeus ocellatus
- Class
- Ray-finned fish
- Rarity
- Common
- Observations
- 595
- Most observed in
- 🇨🇳 China
- Conservation
- Data Deficient
Description
The rosy bitterling or Tairiku baratanago (Rhodeus ocellatus) is a small freshwater ray-finned fish belonging to the family Acheilognathidae, the bitterlings. This species occurs in East Asia from the Amur River basin to the Pearl River basin. Females are about 4–5 cm (1.6–2.0 in) long and males are 5–8 cm (2.0–3.1 in). Their bodies are flat with an argent-colored luster. However, males change to a reddish (sometimes purple) color during the spawning season (March to September) which functions to attract females. This reddish color is similar to the color of a red rose, which is why it is called a rosy bitterling.
Summary adapted from the Wikipedia article “Rosy bitterling”.