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FISH GUIDE · Freshwater

European bitterling: identification, habitat and fishing guide

Rhodeus amarus

A small deep-bodied fish whose reproduction depends on freshwater mussels.

Catalogue names : European bitterling. Forms and names may vary between habitats.

Editorial review : · This species guide is not permission to fish. Read the precautions below and check the current rules for your location before targeting a species. Some species or populations are protected.

Geographical distribution

Its range covers Europe and northern Anatolia, notably North Sea, southern Baltic, Black Sea and Caspian drainages. In the Mediterranean, FishBase cites the northern Rhône drainage and the Drin. This does not imply occurrence in every French drainage.

  • Native range : Central and eastern Europe, northern Anatolia
  • Native range : Northern Rhône drainage
  • Native range : Drin

Documented areas, not an exhaustive list. Presence in a region does not imply presence in every water body or permission to fish.

Distribution sources

Identification

Short, flattened-sided body, grey-green back and blue-green stripe along the side and tail base.

Habitat

Calm or slow, shallow water with vegetation and unionid mussels.

Diet

Mainly algae, diatoms and plant debris, sometimes small aquatic animals.

Behaviour

Diurnal and shoaling; during breeding the male defends a territory around the mussels used.

Indicative biological size

Adults: 5–7 cm according to OPSN, distinct from the 9 cm maximum.

Fishing context and precautions

The Mayenne federation mentions possible pole-fishing captures and stresses the need to preserve bitterling. This reference supplies neither a rig nor bait nor permission to target every population; check protections and local rules, and leave mussels in place.

A distinctive feature

The female uses a tube called an ovipositor to place her eggs inside a living mussel.

Sources and review

Each reference includes its access date. Overall editorial review: . Local conditions and regulations may change.

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