Yellow-Fin Bitterling (Rhodeus cf. albomarginatus) – Rare Yellow Margin Variant

The Yellow-Fin Bitterling is a captivating color morph within the Rhodeus cf. albomarginatus species complex, native to China’s Lvjiang River tributary. Males showcase a sleek gray body and distinctive yellow-tinged fins—particularly along the dorsal, anal, and pelvic edges—that glow brighter during the breeding season. This rare variant brings elegance and intrigue to specialized aquariums.

Care for this peaceful, shoaling fish requires a mature, well-filtered aquarium enriched with live freshwater mussels, which are essential for their unique breeding ritual: females deposit eggs inside mussel gills, where fry develop safely. Maintain crisp, cool water around 15–28 °C, with soft to slightly hard, neutral to mildly alkaline conditions. A group of at least six fish thrives in a planted, gently flowing setup with natural substrate that mimics its hill-stream habitat.