Fin's Fish Guide
Acheilognathus macropterus
The Acheilognathus macropterus is a brackish-water fish of the family Cyprinidae that grows up to 28 cm.
East Asia - China, Korea, northern Vietnam and southeastern Russia (Amur).
Description
The largefin bitterling is a cyprinid from East Asia, native to China, Korea, northern Vietnam and southeastern Russia (Amur); introduced in Japan. The species reaches about 27 cm and has a deep, compressed, silvery body. It inhabits slow-flowing and standing waters. Like other bitterlings the species reproduces with the help of living freshwater mussels: the female uses a long ovipositor to lay the eggs among the gills of a mussel, where the young grow up sheltered. This creates a close ecological link between the fish and the mussel. The sexes differ mainly in colour and shape during the breeding season.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Acheilognathus macropterus?
The Acheilognathus macropterus has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a plain pattern. The female lays the eggs in freshwater mussels with a long ovipositor.
Where does the Acheilognathus macropterus live?
The Acheilognathus macropterus lives in brackish water and is mostly found around mixed bottom. East Asia - China, Korea, northern Vietnam and southeastern Russia (Amur).
How big does the Acheilognathus macropterus get?
The Acheilognathus macropterus grows to a maximum of about 28 cm. On average the species is around 16 cm.
Is the Acheilognathus macropterus dangerous to humans?
No, the Acheilognathus macropterus is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Acheilognathus macropterus edible?
The Acheilognathus macropterus is rarely eaten.
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Same genus Acheilognathus
More from the family Cyprinidae
Want the complete picture on the Acheilognathus macropterus?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Acheilognathus macropterus is one of 12,519 species in the app.