Species FishEuropean Bitterling

European Bitterling

Rhodeus amarus

CommonFish
Illustration of European Bitterling (Rhodeus amarus)

The European Bitterling is a small, colorful fish with a distinctive elongated body and bright colors. A memorable fact is that it is one of the few fish species that lays its eggs in freshwater mussels.

Habitat
Freshwater rivers and ponds.
Diet
Feeds on small invertebrates and plant matter.
How common
Common

Recent European Bitterling sightings near you

Live, research-grade observations from iNaturalist. Allow location to center the map on you.

Spot a European Bitterling? Identify it instantly.

Point Huck at any plant, bird, or animal for an instant ID, its rarity, and a live map of where it is being seen near you.

Get Huck

Get an alert when a European Bitterling is spotted

Pick a park, state, or city and we’ll email you when one turns up there. One check a day, only when there’s something new.

Free. Unsubscribe from any email. See our Privacy Policy.

Love fish? Get Huck field notes

Spotting tips, new species, and the best of what people are finding in the wild - straight to your inbox.

By subscribing you agree to receive Huck emails. No spam, unsubscribe anytime. See our Privacy Policy.

More fish

European Chub
European Chub
Squalius cephalus
European Conger
European Conger
Conger conger
European Eel
European Eel
Anguilla anguilla
European Flounder
European Flounder
Platichthys flesus
European Minnow
European Minnow
Phoxinus phoxinus
European Parrotfish
European Parrotfish
Sparisoma cretense
European Perch
European Perch
Perca fluviatilis
European Seabass
European Seabass
Dicentrarchus labrax