Korean Rose Bitterling

About this species

A tiny, jewel-like bitterling endemic to Korea, the breeding males glowing with rosy and blue iridescence. It lays its eggs inside living freshwater mussels in clear, weedy streams and ponds. Too small to be a fishing target, it is a treasured indicator of healthy native waters.

Season

Depth

0 – 2 m

Habitat Spots

Fishing Methods

Bait & Rig

Too small to target as a gamefish; naturalists may use micro hooks with tiny bread paste for sampling but must release them immediately.

Edibility & Taste

Not a food fish; at only 5–8 cm it is a protected indicator species of healthy Korean freshwater ecosystems and must not be harmed.

Similar Species

Several bitterling species inhabit Korean streams; rose bitterling males are identified by vivid rosy-blue iridescent breeding color and tiny size under 8 cm.

Record Weight

0.01 kg