Rosy Bitterling (Rhodeus ocellatus ocellatus)

The Rosy Bitterling is a peaceful, uniquely fascinating freshwater species known for its subtle pink sheen, streamlined body, and remarkable spawning behavior. These small, hardy fish make an excellent addition to a community or species-only aquarium, especially for aquarists interested in breeding behaviors or naturalistic setups. Unlike many popular schooling fish, Bitterlings exhibit intriguing social interactions and breed using live freshwater mussels as part of their reproductive cycle.

This offering is for tank-bred specimens, ensuring hardiness and ease of acclimation in home aquariums.

What We Love About This Fish:

• Soft Pink and Silver Coloration: Reflective body with iridescent hues and a hint of blush.
• Unique Breeding Behavior: Uses live mussels to deposit eggs, making spawning a truly one-of-a-kind event to observe.
• Community Friendly: Peaceful nature, best kept in small schools.
• Tank Bred: Ethically sourced and acclimated to aquarium conditions.

Natural Habitat:

Native to East Asia, particularly slow-flowing streams and shallow ponds across China, Japan, and Korea. These habitats typically have sandy or silty substrates, dense vegetation, and freshwater mussel populations, where Bitterlings naturally spawn.

Aquascaping:

• Plants: Fine-leaved plants like Hornwort, Water Sprite, and Ludwigia help replicate their natural environment and provide refuge.
• Hardscape: Smooth pebbles and sand or silt substrate. Provide shaded areas with driftwood and gentle flow.
• Botanicals: Enhance their environment with Indian Almond Leaves, Guava Leaves, and Alder Cones to support biofilm development and water quality. We recommend the Aquatic Arts Botanical Combo Pack to round out a natural and enriching setup.

Diet and Feeding:

Rosy Bitterlings are omnivores and accept a wide range of prepared foods.

✅ Primary Foods:
• Ultra Fresh Tropical Micro Pellets – Shrimp Delight Formula – Perfectly sized for their small mouths, these micro pellets are made with real shrimp and natural color enhancers to support growth and vitality.
• High-Quality Flakes or Crushed Pellets – Supplemented with spirulina or insect protein.

✅ Occasional Treats:
Frozen or live daphnia, baby brine shrimp, or bloodworms.

Tank Mates and Compatibility:

These fish are best kept in groups of 5 or more. Peaceful by nature, they do well with other small, non-aggressive species such as rasboras, small barbs, white clouds, Corydoras, and snails. Avoid large or boisterous tank mates that may outcompete them or cause stress.

Not Shrimp Safe:

Fry may be at risk if food is limited, but Bitterlings are not aggressive hunters. Provide plenty of cover to protect shrimp colonies.

Breeding:

One of the most interesting fish to breed! Rosy Bitterlings deposit their eggs inside the gills of live freshwater mussels (such as Live Freshwater Mussels, when available). Fry hatch and remain inside the mussel for several weeks before swimming out. For breeding attempts, maintaining suitable mussels and clean, oxygen-rich water is critical.

Recommended Tank Parameters:

• Temperature: 64° – 75° F (18° – 24° C)
• pH: 6.8 – 7.6
• KH: 3 – 12 dKH
• Minimum Tank Size: 10 gallons (20+ gallons recommended for groups)

Care Guidelines:

• Diet: Omnivorous. Eats small prepared foods and live/frozen fare.
• Social Behavior: Schooling. Keep in groups of 5 or more.
• Origin: Tank Bred
• Average Adult Size: 2 – 2.5 inches (5 – 6.3 cm)
• Average Purchase Size: 1 – 1.5 inches (2.5 – 3.8 cm)

Peaceful, Curious, and Unique
With their reflective coloration and incredible breeding habits, Rosy Bitterlings bring subtle beauty and rare behaviors to your freshwater aquarium. A perfect choice for aquarists looking to try something out of the ordinary.