Bitterling

Bitterling is a small freshwater fish reaching 10 cm in length and 50 g in weight.

Feeds on algae, small invertebrates, and detritus. Has a unique reproductive strategy — deposits eggs inside the mantle cavity of freshwater mussels.

Most active at 10–24 °C. Feeds throughout the warm season. Males develop vivid breeding colors during spawning.

Holds in small groups near shallow areas with sandy or silty bottom where mussel colonies exist.

Caught on bloodworm, tiny maggots, and bread scraps. Ultra-light float tackle with the smallest hooks (#18–22).

Primarily of interest in speed-fishing competitions. For targeted bitterling fishing, locate areas with colonies of swan mussels and painter's mussels.