European Bitterling
Rhodeus amarus
European Bitterling is a peaceful bottom-to-middle swimmer.
Save this fish or add it directly to one of your aquariums.
Need help with European Bitterling?
Explore compatibility, care or problems using this guide and your aquarium’s conditions.
Quick facts
- Adult size
- ≤ 4.4" (≤ 11.2 cm)
- Aquarium size
- 79 US gal (300 L) or larger / ≥ 39.4" (≥ 100 cm) minimum length
- Care level
- Beginner – Intermediate
- Temperament
- Peaceful
- Swimming zone
- Bottom to middle swimmer
- Temperature
- 54–70°F (12–21°C)
- pH
- 7–7.5
- GH
- 0–6 dGH
- Diet
- Omnivore
- Lifespan
- up to 5 years
Care requirements
Care level: Beginner – Intermediate.
Lifespan: up to 5 years.
Aquarium size and space needs
Minimum aquarium size: 79 US gal (300 L) or larger / ≥ 39.4" (≥ 100 cm) minimum length. Plan the layout and stocking within that limit.
Water parameters
Suitable water: temperature 12–21 °C, pH 7–7.5, GH 0–6 dGH.
Temperament and compatibility
European Bitterling is peaceful and suits calm community fish.
Swimming zone and behavior
This fish uses the lower to middle part of the aquarium, so leave enough open substrate area for movement and feeding.
Feeding
As an omnivore, European Bitterling should receive a varied diet rather than one repeated food type.
Offer varied small insect/invertebrate items and appropriate prepared feeds; do not assume filter-feeding or exclusive algae eating.
Before adding this fish
- Plan for an aquarium of 79 US gal (300 L) or larger / ≥ 39.4" (≥ 100 cm) minimum length.
- Avoid aggressive or highly competitive fish.
- Offer a varied diet suited to this species’ documented feeding habits.
Natural habitat and origin
Origin: France Russia.
Important notes
- Temperate fish: do not match by generic tropical freshwater ranges.
- Breeding needs appropriate freshwater mussel host species and seasonal male reproductive territories; do not infer a standard pair setup.
Similar fish profiles
Use these profiles to compare fish with similar care level, size, temperature range, or swimming behavior.
FAQ
How large does European Bitterling get?
European Bitterling reaches ≤ 4.4" (≤ 11.2 cm).
What aquarium size does European Bitterling need?
Use an aquarium of at least 79 US gal (300 L) or larger / ≥ 39.4" (≥ 100 cm) minimum length.
Is European Bitterling peaceful?
Yes. European Bitterling is recorded as peaceful and is best planned with calm community fish that do not harass it or dominate the feeding area.
What temperature is suitable for European Bitterling?
Keep it between 12 to 21 °C.
