Species description

Care, breeding and tankmates

Fish profile

Temperament

Semi-aggressive

They have a peaceful and active schooling temperament. They are an excellent choice for a temperate biotope aquarium. They are hardy, undemanding, and provide beautiful flashes of color.

Diet

Omnivore

They are omnivores that feed on algae, detritus, and small invertebrates in the wild. In the aquarium, they happily accept high-quality flakes, small pellets, and spirulina. Regular feedings of live or frozen daphnia and bloodworms are highly appreciated.

Sex ratio

School

Keeping them in schools of six or more is highly recommended. Males develop stunning, vibrant colors during the breeding season to attract females. An even mix of males and females allows for natural social interactions.

Feeding frequency

Twice daily

Feeding them small meals twice a day is optimal for their health. They are enthusiastic eaters that forage in the middle and bottom layers. Ensure no uneaten food remains after a few minutes.

Bioload

The Rosy Bitterling produces a moderate bioload for a small fish. They are hardy and adaptable to various water conditions. A standard power filter and regular partial water changes are sufficient to maintain good water quality.

Flow

Stagnant

They naturally inhabit still or slow-moving waters like ponds and sluggish rivers. They prefer gentle to moderate filtration that does not create strong currents. Overly turbulent water will cause them to hide and become stressed.

Reproduction

Oviparous

Their breeding method is highly unique, requiring the presence of live freshwater mussels. The female uses a long ovipositor to deposit eggs inside the mussel's gills, where they hatch. Providing freshwater mussels is absolutely essential if breeding is desired.

Compatibility & tankmates

They are very peaceful and do well in unheated community aquariums or indoor ponds. Good tank mates include weather loaches, white cloud mountain minnows, and other temperate species. Tropical species requiring high temperatures should be avoided.

Tank level

Middle/Bottom

They are active primarily in the middle and lower levels of the water column. They enjoy tanks with dense planting and ample open swimming space. They frequently investigate the substrate for leftover food.