Family: Cyprinidae
Distribution: Rhodeus sericeus, also known as Amur Bitterling, is a freshwater species found throughout Europe and Asia. The subspecies Rhodeus sericeus amarus is found in eastern and central Europe; Rhodeus sinensis sinensis is distributed in the Jangtze basin. This species occurs in ponds, lakes, the backwaters of rivers and sandy pools.
PH: 5.5 – 6.5
Temperature: 18°C – 21C (64 – 70F)
Hardness: 2 – 3 dH
Description: Rhodeus sericeus can reach a maximum length of around 11 cm; it has a life expectancy of five years at most. Most Bittlerlings have a dorsal blue-green line that runs from the dorsal fin to the caudal fin, where it results in a red spot. The fins and eyes can be red-tinged and the first rays of the pelvic fins are a white colour.
Diet: Rhodeus amarus will feed on plant material and small insect larvae in the wild. Bitterlings can be fed flake, live foods, pellets, vegetables and algae tablets in an aquarium environment.
Breeding: Like the European Bitterling, this species begins courtship of the female by dancing around and attempting to charm a freshwater mussel; if successful, the mussel attracts a female Rhodeus sericeus to the male. If the female is impressed, she will put her long, egg-laying tube into the mussel, and the male will promptly fertilise the eggs inside the mussel. The mussel will incubate the eggs for about one month, before the eggs hatch and the larvae leaves to swim freely. In the wild, Rhodeus sericeus reproduces between the months of April and June.
Comments: You can house a small group of Rhodeus sericeus in a 20 – 30 gallon tank. Your tank should have plenty of open swimming space, a soft substrate and some vegetation. When spawning, remember to add mussels to the tank.
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Recommended Compatible Species: Rhodeus sericeus reside in cooler water temperatures and should be housed with similarly-sized species who can handle these water parameters.
Originally posted 2010-01-26 10:56:23. Republished by Blog Post Promoter
