The bitterlings are a subfamiliy of the great and diverse carp family. So far only very few species have been introduced in the hobby, but there do exist about 70 species and subspecies which are classified in 4 genera. It is a sad thing that only so few aquarists are interested in bitterlings, for all species are brillant colored and are very interesting due to their brood-parasitism (all species of bitterling place their eggs in living freshwater mussels where they hatch).
Now we were able to import once more one of the most magnificent bitterlings at all from China: Acheilognathus tonkinensis. This very deep bodied species becomes about 10 cm long and originates from southern China, Vietnam, and Laos. The males a shimmering in all colours of a rainbow, whereas the females are rather dull colored and look like a typical “whitefish”. Keeping these subtropical animals is without problems. It is not necessary to heat the tank as long as it is placed in a house; this makes the fish energy saving and environmental friendly. Bitterlings feed on all types of commercial fishfood and are extremely peaceful to all tankmates. Plants are usually ignored; if a bitterling starts nibbling on plants, the keeper should add more plant material to the fishfood.
For our customers: the fish have code 800154 on our stocklist. Please note that we exclusively supply the wholesale trade.
Lexicon: Acheilognathus: ancient Greek, means about “without lips on the jaws”. tonkinensis: after a geographical term (“Tonkin”) for the northernmost part of Vietnam.
Suggestion of a common name: Rainbow bitterling
Text & photos: Frank Schäfer
| Angaben zum Tier | |
|---|---|
| Herkunft | China |
| Verfügbare Größe in cm | 8-10 |
