How to Identify Korean striped bitterling

To identify Korean striped bitterling (Acheilognathus yamatsutae), look at these key features.

Physical Characteristics

Body shape

compressed

Coloration

The body is silvery-white to yellowish-brown, often with an iridescent sheen. A prominent dark, often bluish or greenish, lateral stripe extends from the operculum to the caudal peduncle. Fins are hyaline, though males in breeding condition may exhibit reddish or orange hues on the fins and ventral side. The dorsal fin often has a dark margin.

Scale type

cycloid

Mouth position

subterminal

Distinctive features

Prominent dark lateral stripe, Relatively deep body compared to some other bitterling species, Small, subterminal mouth, Short barbels at the corners of the mouth (sometimes absent or very reduced)

Dorsal fin

Short, with 3 unbranched and 8-10 branched rays. Originates slightly anterior to the anal fin origin.

Tail fin

Forked, with rounded lobes.

Pectoral fin

Relatively small, positioned low on the body.

Distinctive fins

Anal fin is long, with 3 unbranched and 8-10 branched rays, similar in length to the dorsal fin. Pelvic fins are present.

Identification Tips

1. 1

   Lateral Stripe

   Look for the distinct dark, often iridescent, stripe running along the flank from the gill cover to the tail base. This stripe is usually more pronounced than in some other bitterling species.

2. 2

   Body Depth

   Observe the body's depth; Acheilognathus yamatsutae tends to have a deeper body profile compared to more slender bitterling species.

3. 3

   Mouth Position and Barbels

   Note the small, subterminal mouth and the presence (or sometimes absence/reduction) of a pair of short barbels at the corners of the mouth.

4. 4

   Breeding Coloration (Males)

   During the breeding season, males develop vibrant colors, including reddish or orange on the fins and ventral side, which aids in species identification.

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