Khanka spiny bitterling

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Acanthorhodeus_chankaensis

Khanka spiny bitterling (Rhodeus sericeus) is a species of freshwater fish in the family Cyprinidae. It is native to the Amur River basin in Russia, China, and Korea. The species is known for its unique reproductive behavior and its symbiotic relationship with freshwater mussels.

Description

The Khanka spiny bitterling is a small fish, typically reaching a length of 5-7 cm. It has a laterally compressed body with a silvery sheen and a distinctive dark stripe running along its sides. The fins are generally transparent with a slight yellowish tint.

Habitat

This species inhabits slow-moving or stagnant waters such as lakes, ponds, and slow-flowing rivers. It prefers areas with abundant vegetation, which provides cover and breeding sites.

Reproduction

The Khanka spiny bitterling has a unique reproductive strategy involving freshwater mussels. During the breeding season, which occurs in late spring and early summer, the female deposits her eggs inside the gill chambers of a living mussel. The male then fertilizes the eggs by releasing sperm into the water near the mussel. The eggs develop inside the mussel, providing protection from predators and environmental hazards. After hatching, the young fish leave the mussel and begin their independent lives.

Diet

The diet of the Khanka spiny bitterling consists mainly of small invertebrates, such as zooplankton, insect larvae, and small crustaceans. They also consume plant material and detritus.

Conservation Status

The Khanka spiny bitterling is currently not listed as endangered. However, its populations are affected by habitat degradation, pollution, and the decline of freshwater mussel populations, which are crucial for its reproduction.

Related Species

The Khanka spiny bitterling is closely related to other species in the genus Rhodeus, such as the European bitterling (Rhodeus amarus) and the Chinese bitterling (Rhodeus sinensis).

See Also

• Cyprinidae
• Freshwater fish
• Symbiosis
• Mussels