Yellow-Edge Bitterling (Rhodeus shitaiensis “Yellow”)

Meet the Yellow-Edge Bitterling, a mesmerizing variant of Rhodeus shitaiensis celebrated for its delicate golden accents gracing the edges of its fins. Native to the clear tributaries of the Qiupu River in Anhui, China, this rare and peaceful fish is a visual highlight in any planted aquarium, with its soft silver body subtly illuminated by golden fin edges that shimmer with every graceful fin flick.

Features

• Size: Compact, typically up to ~6.2 cm standard length. 

• Origin: Endemic to the Qiupu River within China’s Yangtze drainage. 

• Appearance: Nuptial males display a reddish-orange belly and caudal fin base, matched with distinctive yellow-tinged fin margins that add an elegant glow. 

• Rarity: Exceptionally uncommon in the aquarium trade, prized by collectors for its vivid coloration.

Care Instructions

• Habitat Setup: Provide a planted, well-filtered aquarium with gentle water flow.

• Water Conditions: Maintain temperature between 18–24 °C, neutral to slightly alkaline pH, and soft to moderately hard water.

• Group Behavior: Shoaling fish—best kept in groups of at least six to support natural social behavior and coloration.

• Breeding Essentials: These fish rely on freshwater mussels for reproduction—females lay eggs inside mussel gills, where the fry develop in a protected chamber.