Amur Fish is the smallest and most endangered type of freshwater fish on earth. It is the sole member of the genus Puntius and is found in the Amur drainage in Russia.
This fish has an extreme digestive system that allows it to eat organic food without further processing. For some of its diet, it relies on these foods, such as decaying wood and leaves.
Amur Fish are native to the Amur River basin. The Amur is the largest river in Asia. The Amur Basin is a major biogeographical region in its own right and spans nearly 2,000 km of Russia’s border with China and Korea.
“Puntius ochrophaeus” lives in the shallow waters of the Amur River, which consists of muddy and rocky streams. The main threat to this species is habitat loss due to deforestation.
Amur Fish Characteristics
- The fish can grow to a maximum length of 10.3 cm.
- The minimum and maximum weights of the fish are 0.28 g and 1.65 g, respectively.
- There are no scales on the back of the fish; it has only about 40 to 70 lateral line scales and about 6 to 8 predorsal scales.
- It has a suprabranchial organ.
- The fish has an extended snout and mouth.
- The fish has relatively large eyes, which are about as large as the head of the fish.
- The body is a dark brown color with a silver sheen to it.
- The fish has extremely small scales on its sides and abdomen, with only about 12 lateral line scales on its body and nearly no predorsal scales.
Breeding
Amur Fish are known to be viviparous. It is thought that the female lays eggs in her oviduct, and after they hatch, they develop into embryos inside themselves.
This allows the female to practice asexual reproduction, bypassing the problem of embryo mortality in males. The young fish will remain in their mother’s oviduct for 50 days before becoming independent.
Origin
The Amur Fish is one of the oldest fish, dating back over 400 million years. Fossils of Puntius ochrophaeus have been found in Russia, dating from the Upper Cretaceous period.
It was thought that during the Cretaceous period, more than 20 species of “Puntius” existed, but today only one species remains.
The Amur Fish began its decline in the 1970s due to deforestation. It was discovered in 1930 by water samples taken from the Amur River flowing through China into the Pacific Ocean.
Farming Benefits of Amur Fish
Here are the Best 10 Farming benefits of Amur Fish
1. It will help regenerate the river and clear the pollution in it.
2. It can be used to check water pollution in our rivers, ponds, and lakes.
3. Uses of this fish are very low since its scarcity has made it highly-priced.
4. It can be used to check water pollution in our rivers, ponds, and lakes.
5. It can be used to improve people’s well-being since it is rich in protein and calcium.
6. The fish is also known for its high levels of omega-3 fats and high levels of vitamin D, which help keep the skin healthy and elastic.
7. The fish is rich in Vitamin E, protein, iron, selenium, zinc, and other essential nutrients, which makes this fish beneficial for humans as well.
8. The fish can also be used to feed healthy and strong animals like dogs and cats.
9. It can also be used to feed the growing population of fish in many countries as well.
10. The Amur Fish is known to feed on a wide variety of foods, which is why it is highly recommended for all types of aquariums, such as goldfish, koi carp, and more.
Overview
The Amur Fish is a member of the Cyprinidae family, including minnows and carps. This small fish has a slender body and head with a terminal mouth.
The fish has no scales on its back or large lateral line scales. The Amur Fish is good for ponds or tanks with other cold-water fish species, such as goldfish and koi carp.
What kind of fish is Amur?
Amur, otherwise known as river carp, is one of the most common fish in the world. These fish are reddish-brown and can survive for long periods without food by storing lipids in their body that can be used as energy.
The Amur Fish is a great choice for beginner fish lovers and hobbyists because these fish can survive in a wide range of water conditions and feeding habits.
| Scientific Name | Amur Fish |
| Common Name | Amur Freshwater fish, Chinese Minnow |
| Size Smallest | 10.3 cm; |
| Largest | 20.8 cm |
| Color | Dark brown with silver sheen Locations Siberia, |
Russia; Mainly in the Amur River diet Decaying wood and leaves Threats Overfishing and destruction of habitat
Amur Fish is an endangered species. It is very rare in nature, but it’s available in fish stores. It is also a small fish species that will look beautiful in your aquariums. You need to take care of their water quality and provide them with food.
Habited
The Amur Fish lives in Russia. It is a freshwater fish that eats decaying wood and leaves. Put into the aquarium with other freshwater species such as goldfish, koi carp, and loaches.
They can be kept with larger fish and include plants to create a natural environment for the tank’s occupants.
Diet
It feeds on decaying wood and leaves in its natural habitat, which is similar to the feeding habits of plants. The fish needs a specialized diet that it cannot produce itself.
You have to feed the fish with dead foods like beef heart and bloodworms to help bring out the full color of the fish.
Life span
The life span of Amur Fish is approximately 10 years. Some fish are very shy and skittish and require adequate hiding places.
Care
Amur Fish needs a big tank with a temperature of about 50-60 degrees Fahrenheit and water quality. It is a freshwater fish but cannot tolerate extremely soft water, which may affect its health.
These fish don’t eat plants or algae, so you can keep them with your goldfish without worrying about the balance of food in your aquarium.
Special Notes
Amur Fish is a hardy species, but it needs good living conditions to thrive. It is susceptible to disease and must have clean water with sufficient flow. A small amount of aquarium salt may be added regularly.
Conclusion
The Amur Fish is an interesting fish to keep in your aquariums. Due to its unique and eye-catching features, this species is highly recommended for all types of aquariums, such as goldfish, koi carp, and more.
It is a fun little fish that will fit the other fish species in your tanks. The Amur Fish has an attractive color scheme and looks great swimming around in an aquarium. This is a perfect first saltwater aquarium for beginners. Thank you for reading!
