bitterling

[ bit-er-ling ]
/ ˈbɪt ər lɪŋ /

noun

a cyprinid fish, Rhodeus sericeus, found in central and eastern Europe, the female of which has a long, bright yellow or red ovipositor to deposit eggs in the mantle cavity of mussels.

Origin of bitterling

1875–80; < German, equivalent to bitter bitter + -ling -ling1

British Dictionary definitions for bitterling

bitterling
/ (ˈbɪtəlɪŋ) /

noun

a small brightly coloured European freshwater cyprinid fish, Rhodeus sericeus : a popular aquarium fish

Word Origin for bitterling

C19: from German; see bitter + -ling 1