Rosy Bitterling (Rhodeus ocellatus) – Peaceful Mussel Brooder

Description & Care Instructions:
The Rosy Bitterling (Rhodeus ocellatus) is a charming East Asian freshwater fish, distinguished by the male’s soft rosy or purple flush along the flanks during spawning. At just 4–8 cm in length, these subtle beauties thrive in planted, moderately flowing environments and display peaceful shoaling behavior. Ideal for small community aquaria, they are best kept in groups of six or more, and females lay eggs inside the gills of living mussels—making breeding a remarkable sight. Care is straightforward: a mature, well-filtered tank with gentle water movement, stable temperature (around 18–24 °C), and a balanced diet of quality flake or micro-food keeps them healthy and vibrant (females ~4–5 cm, males ~5–8 cm)