Bighead carp (Hypophthalmichthys nobilis) fish species and information / pictures of Bighead carp - Hypophthalmichthys nobilis

Bighead carp (Hypophthalmichthys nobilis) fish species information

Scientific Name
Hypophthalmichthys nobilis

Common Name
Bighead carp

Biology
In its natural environment, it occurs in rivers with marked water-level fluctuations, overwinters in middle and lower stretches. Forages in shallow (0.5-1.5 m deep) and warm (over 24?C) backwaters, lakes and flooded areas with slow current. Breeds in very deep, very turbid and warm water above 18?C (usually 22-30?C), with high current (1.1-1.9 m/s) and high oxygen concentrations. Stocked to large rivers and almost all still water bodies as lakes and ponds. In aquaculture, adults can survive brackish water (up to 7 ppt) when released into estuaries and coastal lakes. Feeds mainly on zooplankton, but also takes algae as food (Ref. 59043). Bottom feeding fish (Ref. 6459). Undertakes long distance upriver migration at start of a rapid flood and water-level increase (in April-July depending on locality). Spawns in upper water layer or even at surface during flo

Classification

Classified By

Richardson, 1845

Class

Ray-finned fishes (Actinopterygii)

Order

Carps (Cypriniformes)

Family

Minnows or carps (Cyprinidae)

Distribution

Region

Asia

Distribution

Asia: China. Introduced to numerous countries and has achieved a near global distribution. However, its breeding requirements are very specialized and stocks are maintained by artificial reproduction or continuous importation. Several countries report adverse ecological impact after introduction (Ref. 1739). Often confused with Hypophthalmichthys molitrix (Ref. 59043).

Range

64°N - 18°S

Environment

Climate

Temperate

Water Temperature From

4 °C

Water Temperature To

26 °C

Depth From - meters

5 m

Depth To - meters

Unknown m

Zone

benthopelagic

Environment

Freshwater; benthopelagic; potamodromous (Ref. 51243); depth range 5 - ? m

Trophic Level

2.33 s.e. 0.22 Based on diet studies.

Occurs in Marine / Salt water

False

Occurs in Brackish water

False

Occurs in Fresh Water

True

Occurs on Reefs

False

Is kept in Aquariums

True

Physical Size and Genetics

Maximum Length

146 cm

Common Length

60.0 cm

Phylogenetic Diversity Index

PD50 = 0.6250 many relatives (e.g. carps) 0.5 - 2.0 few relatives (e.g. lungfishes)

Human Uses and Population

Human Uses

Fisheries: highly commercial; aquaculture: commercial; aquarium: public aquariums

Vulnerability

High to very high vulnerability (66 of 100)

Resilience

Medium, minimum population doubling time 1.4 - 4.4 years (tm=3-5; tmax=20; K=0.15-0.27; Fec=50,000-1 million)

Threat To Humans

Potential pest

IUCN Red List Status

Not Evaluated