European Bitterling

European Bitterling (Rhodeus amarus), or simply Bitterling, is a European freshwater fish of the Carp family, with a habitat range from the Rhone River basin in France to the Neva River in Russia. These fish prefer clear, slow-running or still water, often with a muddy bottom. The Bitterling has a deep, laterally compressed body with large scales that is bright silvery in color, with a hint of light purple on the sides. Its dorsal fin is long and bright orange, while its large eyes are golden red. These small fish rarely grow over 10 cm in length, with a typical weight range from 50 to 150 g. It feeds mostly on aquatic vegetation, and occasionally on worms, crustaceans, and insect larvae.