Heilongjiang Bitterling (Rhodeus cf. albomarginatus)

The Heilongjiang Bitterling is a hypothesized variant within the Rhodeus albomarginatus complex, tentatively linked to northern habitats such as Heilongjiang Province. While R. albomarginatus itself is confirmed only from Lvjiang River in Anhui (Yangtze basin) , the “Heilongjiang” label may reflect local trade or field observations rather than verified taxonomy.

As with confirmed bitterlings, maintain this variant in a well-filtered, planted aquarium with cool, clean water temperatures between 15–28 °C, soft to moderately hard water, and gentle currents. For ethical breeding, freshwater mussel hosts (such as Ptychorhynchus murinum) are essential—females lay eggs inside mussel gills, where fry are safeguarded until they are ready to swim freely . A small group (6+) will encourage natural shoaling behaviors and ensure vibrant display of fin markings typically characteristic to albomarginatus variants.