European bitterling

Scientific name: Rhodeus sericeus amarus
The European bitterling is the only fish in Romania that reprouces with the help of clams, being stricly dependent on the presence of the Unio or Anodata lamelibranchiatas. The sexual dymorphism is accentuated during the mating period, except for the colouring; males have nuptial buttons on the frontal side of the head. The females have an ovipositor, a flexible organ by use of which they lay roe in the respiratory siphon of a clam or mussel. It lives in slow-flowing waters, from the lowlands to the mountainside, and can frequently be found in the branches of watercourses.
Where can be found:
Cheile Turenilor (SiteCode ROSCI0034)
Cheile Turzii (SiteCode ROSCI0035)

Category
Protected species