Amur Sleeper (Rotan)

Amur sleeper (rotan) is a hardy invasive fish with a large head and wide mouth. Reaches weights of 300 g.

An aggressive predator for its size. Feeds on larvae, worms, fry, and eggs of other fish. Devours virtually anything alive that is smaller.

Most active at 2–26 °C. Extraordinarily undemanding. Feeds year-round, including through ice. Survives conditions lethal to other fish — low oxygen, pollution, partial freezing.

Holds in ponds, floodplain lakes, ditches, and small water bodies. Undemanding of water quality. As an invasive species, can displace native fish communities.

Caught on meat scraps, lard, worm, fry, and bloodworm. Light float or ice jig tackle. In winter — ice jig.

Amur sleeper is a primary winter fishing target on small waters. Bites aggressively on ice jig with meat or lard. A piece of rotan itself is an effective bait for catching more rotan.