The bitterling-like cyprinids form the cyprinidsubfamilyAcheilognathinae. This subfamily contains seven genera, although the Khanka spiny bitterling is often placed in Acheilognathus,[1] and at least 75 described species to date. Over half of the species are in the genus Acheilognathus.
Arai, Ryoichi; Kato, Kenta (2003). Gross Morphology and Evolution of the Lateral Line System and Infraorbital Bones in Bitterlings (Cyprinidae, Acheilognathinae): With an Overview of the Lateral Line System in the Family Cyprinidae. Bulletin (Tōkyō Daigaku. Sōgō Kenkyū Hakubutsukan). Vol. 40. University Museum, University of Tokyo. pp. 1–42. OCLC615148477.
Kawamura K, Ueda T, Arai R, Smith C (May 2014). "Phylogenetic relationships of bitterling fishes (Teleostei: Cypriniformes: Acheilognathinae), inferred from mitochondrial cytochrome B sequences". Zool. Sci. 31 (5): 321–9. doi:10.2108/zs130233. PMID24832905.