{"product_id":"rosy-bitterling-rhodeus-ocellatus","title":"Rosy Bitterling - Rhodeus ocellatus","description":"\u003ch1\u003e\n\u003cspan\u003eRosy Bitterling – \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cspan\u003eRhodeus ocellatus\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\n\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eRosy Bitterling\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e is a small, attractive temperate freshwater fish known for its peaceful nature, subtle silver body colour and beautiful rosy breeding tones. Also sold as the \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eRose Bitterling\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eJapanese Rosy Bitterling\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eNippon Bara-tanago\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e or \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eTairiku Bara-tanago\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, this species is best suited to cooler planted aquariums, temperate community tanks and seasonal indoor setups. It is a sociable shoaling fish with fascinating breeding behaviour, but it should not be treated as a warm tropical aquarium species.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan\u003eKey Identification:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCommon Name:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Rosy Bitterling\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eOther Names:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Rose Bitterling, Japanese Rosy Bitterling, Nippon Bara-tanago, Tairiku Bara-tanago\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eScientific Name:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cspan\u003eRhodeus ocellatus\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFish Type:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Bitterling \/ Temperate Cyprinid\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWater Type:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Freshwater\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan\u003eNatural Range \u0026amp; Habitat:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cspan\u003eRhodeus ocellatus\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan\u003e is native to Eastern Asia and Taiwan, with introduced populations recorded elsewhere. In the wild, it occurs in shallow ponds, marshes, lowland waters and adjacent irrigation canals, often where aquatic plants, soft margins and calmer water provide shelter.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThis species is closely associated with freshwater mussels during breeding. Females use an extended ovipositor to place eggs inside live mussels, where the eggs are fertilised and the young remain protected until they are developed enough to swim freely. In aquariums, this behaviour is unlikely unless suitable live mussels are present and legally sourced, so most keepers maintain them as display fish rather than breeding projects.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAppearance \u0026amp; Adult Size:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eRosy Bitterlings have a small, laterally compressed body with a neat, streamlined shape. Outside breeding condition, they are usually silver, pale gold or lightly translucent, often with a subtle lateral sheen and delicate fin colour.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMature males can become much more colourful during the breeding season, showing rosy, pink, orange or red tones along the body and fins. Females are usually plainer and may develop a visible ovipositor when ready to spawn. Adults commonly reach around \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e5–6 cm\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, though larger specimens may approach \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e8–9 cm\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e in excellent conditions.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAquarium Suitability:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThis species is best suited to mature temperate aquariums, planted cool-water community tanks and peaceful seasonal displays. It does well in aquariums with open swimming space, planted margins, gentle to moderate flow and clean, well-oxygenated water.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eRosy Bitterlings are not ideal for high-temperature tropical aquariums. They benefit from cooler conditions and, where possible, a seasonal temperature variation rather than constant warmth all year. They are peaceful, but they should be kept with fish that enjoy similar cooler water.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan\u003eRecommended Aquarium Size:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eA practical minimum is \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e90 litres for a group\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, with a tank length of at least \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e75–90 cm\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e recommended. Larger aquariums are better for bigger groups and mixed temperate communities.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eKeep in a group of \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eat least 6\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, with \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e8 or more preferred\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e where space allows. A proper group improves confidence, reduces stress and encourages natural shoaling behaviour.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWater Conditions:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eTemperature:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e 16–24°C\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003epH:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e 7.0–8.0\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eHardness:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Moderately hard to hard\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAdditional Notes:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Rosy Bitterlings prefer clean, stable, well-oxygenated water and should not be kept long term at high tropical temperatures. A cooler winter period can be beneficial. Avoid soft acidic extremes, poor water quality, stagnant conditions and unstable new aquariums.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan\u003eTemperament \u0026amp; Tank Mates:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAquarium Category:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Community Fish\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eRosy Bitterlings are peaceful shoaling fish suitable for cooler community aquariums. Suitable tank mates include White Cloud Mountain Minnows, Japanese Ricefish, small danios, temperate hillstream loaches, peaceful weather-suitable gobies and other calm fish that enjoy similar cooler, well-oxygenated conditions.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAvoid large predators, aggressive cichlids, fin-nipping species, warm-water tropical fish, delicate slow feeders and any fish that may be stressed by cooler conditions. Do not mix with goldfish in small aquariums, as goldfish can be too messy, too large and too competitive for long-term compatibility.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFeeding:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eRosy Bitterlings are omnivores that feed on small invertebrates, insect larvae, zooplankton, algae and plant-based material. In the aquarium, offer quality flakes, small granules and fine pellets as the staple diet.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSupplement with frozen or live foods such as daphnia, cyclops, mosquito larvae, brineshrimp and small bloodworm. Vegetable or algae-based foods are also useful, especially in a mixed temperate community. Feed small amounts that are eaten quickly to maintain water quality.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBehaviour in the Aquarium:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThis is an active but peaceful midwater fish that spends much of its time swimming in loose groups among plants and open water. In a settled aquarium, males may become more colourful and display to females or rival males, especially as temperatures rise after a cooler period.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBreeding behaviour is highly specialised and depends on live freshwater mussels. Females may develop an ovipositor and attempt to spawn if suitable mussels are present. Without mussels, they can still be kept successfully as attractive shoaling fish, but natural reproduction is unlikely.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCare Notes:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eRosy Bitterlings should be kept in a mature aquarium with stable, clean water and a proper group. Avoid consistently high tropical temperatures, poor oxygenation and aggressive tank mates.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDo not release unwanted fish into ponds, waterways or outdoor systems, as bitterlings have been introduced outside their native range in some areas. If attempting breeding, research mussel care carefully and only use legally sourced, appropriate freshwater mussels, as many native mussel species are protected or unsuitable for aquarium use.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan\u003eRecommended For:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBeginner to intermediate\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAvailability:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eOccasional \/ Seasonal temperate fish, usually captive-bred or commercially farmed when available\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan\u003eImage Disclaimer:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAll images are a visual representation of the fish you will receive, made to be as accurate as possible. Natural variation in size, colour, pattern, body tone and markings can occur between individual fish.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Warehouse Aquatics","offers":[{"title":"Small","offer_id":43723097374794,"sku":"AG-103639","price":3.95,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false},{"title":"Medium","offer_id":43723097407562,"sku":"AG-103640","price":4.95,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false},{"title":"Large","offer_id":43723097440330,"sku":"AG-103641","price":5.45,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0623\/1877\/2298\/files\/Rosy_Bitterling_-_Rhodeus_ocellatus_Male_1.jpg?v=1781886507","url":"https:\/\/warehouse-aquatics.co.uk\/products\/rosy-bitterling-rhodeus-ocellatus","provider":"Warehouse Aquatics","version":"1.0","type":"link"}