Kyushu Bitterling — a Cyprinidae from Korean Peninsula, mostly peaceful; keep with calm tankmates. Reaches 4.5–6.6 cm; loose shoals; groups of 6+ settle quickly. 10–25 °C.
Care parameters
Water temperature
10–25 °C
pH
6.8–7.8
GH hardness
5–15 dGH
Adult length
4.5–6.6 cm
Minimum tank
52 L
Water layer
Bottom-dwelling
Difficulty
Moderate
Temperament
Mostly peaceful; keep with calm tankmates
Origin
Korean Peninsula
Species overview
Cyprinidae species Rhodeus atremius comes from Korean Peninsula. Like its relatives it depends on living freshwater mussels for breeding, so a fine-sand bed and settled water matter more than décor. It lives on the bottom. Adults reach 4.5–6.6 cm. Loose shoals; groups of 6+ settle quickly. Offer small foods in calm corners and keep the water stable — this fish forgives little else in the way of sloppiness. Maintain 10–25 °C at pH 6.8–7.8. Water quality and diet matter more than décor.
Native biotope
Habitat
Clear streams and rivers over gravel
Flow
Moderate, well-oxygenated current
Dissolved O₂
Appreciates well-oxygenated water
Aquascape & hardware
Substrate
Fine gravel and sand
Hardscape
Water-worn stones and driftwood
Plants
Hardy rooted plants along the margins
Temperament, diet & tankmates
Schooling
Loose shoals; groups of 6+ settle quickly
Diet
Small omnivore; flakes, granules and vegetable matter
Recommended tankmates
Other small peaceful cyprinids — Similar size, similar water