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💧 Freshwater Data Deficient 🍽️ Edible 🐠 Aquarium ⚡ Potential pest 🌡️ Subtropical

Rosy bitterling

Rhodeus ocellatus Kner, 1866
Max Length
9.2 cm
Max Weight
-
Lifespan
-
Trophic Level
2.5
Depth
-
Climate
Subtropical
Resilience
Medium
Vulnerability
16.00/100
Typical Length
5.2 cm
Depth Zone
-

📖 Overview

Rosy bitterling (Rhodeus ocellatus), first described by Kner, 1866 is a small fish in the family Cyprinidae (order Cypriniformes). Adults typically reach 9.20 cm in maximum length. It inhabits freshwater systems including rivers, streams, and lakes. It occurs in Subtropical waters. It is broadly omnivorous, taking invertebrates, plant matter, and detritus. On the IUCN Red List, it is classified as Data Deficient.The species is important as a food fish and kept in the aquarium hobby. As a member of the Cyprinidae, it shares life-history and morphological traits with its relatives in the group.

Scientific Name
Rhodeus ocellatus
Authority
Kner, 1866
Habitat
Freshwater
Climate
Subtropical
Body Shape
Fusiform / normal
IUCN Status
DD
Max Length
9.2 cm
Trophic Level
2.5
Resilience
Medium
Vulnerability
16.00/100
Water Temp
18–24 °C

🔬 Taxonomy

🐟 Physical Description

Dorsal soft rays (total): 13 - 14; Anal soft rays: 13 - 14. : fusiform / normal.

🌀 Behaviour

Behavioural data for Rosy bitterling is currently being reviewed.

🦐 Diet

aquatic invertebrates
small fish
algae
detritus

🥚 Reproduction

🐣 Oviparous
Spawning Season
spring
Spawn Location
Substrate
Fertilization
External

Female lays eggs inside mussels where they are fertilized by the male. Young remain in the bivalve until they can swim .

🌍 Habitat & Distribution

Freshwater; brackish; benthopelagic; pH range: ? - 7.0; dH range: 10 - 15. Subtropical; 18°C - 24°C east one country reports adverse ecological impact after introduction (Ref.

🌿 Ecology

Zone Preferences
💧 Freshwater 🌿 Brackish
Trophic Level
2.5±0.2

📐 Morphometrics

Length–Weight Relationship: W = 0.01148 × L3.11 (TL)
Max TL
9.2cm
Dorsal Rays
14
Anal Rays
14

🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance

Temperature Range
18–24°C

🛡️ Conservation Assessment

IUCN Category
Data Deficient
Assessment Date
2010

📊 Population Risk & Fisheries

Population Resilience
Medium
Minimum doubling time
Fishing Vulnerability
16.00/100
Low vulnerability
Trophic Level
2.5
Omnivore / Planktivore
Body Shape
Fusiform / normal
Climate Zone
Subtropical
Described By
Kner, 1866

🍽️ Edibility & Flavour

"Rosy bitterling is an edible species."

✗ Not for Raw
✓ Fresh Indicators
  • Clear, bright eyes — cloudy eyes indicate age
  • Firm flesh that springs back when pressed
  • Fresh ocean smell, never strong or ammonia-like
  • Bright red or pink gills, not grey or brown
  • Shiny, moist skin with scales tightly attached
✗ Avoid If
  • Cloudy or sunken eyes
  • Strong fishy or ammonia odour
  • Soft, mushy flesh that doesn't spring back
  • Discoloured or dry flesh
Best Cooking Methods
Baking Grilling Pan-frying

⚡ Nutrition

Detailed nutritional data for Rosy bitterling is currently being compiled from USDA FoodData Central.

🔬 Mercury Safety

Mercury data for Rosy bitterling has not yet been assigned. Please consult FDA/EPA guidance for general seafood safety advice.

🌿 Sustainability

Best Choice
Healthy stocks, low impact
Good Alternative
Well-managed, minor concerns
Use Caution
Check sourcing and season
Avoid
Overfished or high impact

🔬 Full Nutritional Profile

Per 100g - Raw, per 100g - Source: USDA FoodData Central templates (generic fish average)

Proximate Composition
Energy125 kcal
Moisture75 %
Protein20 %
Total Fat4 %
Ash1.3 %
Fatty Acids (g)
Saturated Fat1 g
Monounsaturated Fat1.2 g
Polyunsaturated Fat1.5 g
Omega-3 Total1 g
EPA0.3 g
DHA0.5 g
Omega-6 Total0.3 g
Key Minerals & Vitamins
Calcium20 mg
Iron0.7 mg
Magnesium30 mg
Phosphorus220 mg
Potassium380 mg
Sodium55 mg
Zinc0.5 mg
Selenium32 µg
Vitamin B122 µg

📊 Population Dynamics

Year Region Index Notes
- - -

🌐 Names & Taxonomy

Scientific Synonyms

Scientific Name Author Year Status
Pseudoperilampus ocellatus Mori 1928 Synonym
Rhodeus hwanghoensis Mori 1928 Synonym
Rhodeus kurumeus Jordan & Thompson 1914 Synonym
Rhodeus maculatus Fowler 1910 Synonym
Rhodeus ocellatus kurumeus Jordan & Thompson 1914 Synonym
Rhodeus ocellatus ocellatus - - Synonym
Rhodeus pingi Miao 1934 Synonym
Rhodeus wangkinfui Wu 1930 Synonym

🗺️ Global Occurrence Map

Occurrence records from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) - 982 records indexed .

Occurrence density from GBIF View GBIF records ↗

👥 Community & Contribute

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