Bighead carp (Hypophthalmichthys nobilis)

Scientific name: Hypophthalmichthys nobilis Richardson, 1845

The Bighead carp (Hypophthalmichthys nobilis) is a freshwater fish of the family Cyprinidae. In the aquarium it needs water at 4–26°C (39–79°F).

Bighead carp care at a glance

Temperature: 4–26°C (39–79°F)

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. Bottom feeding fish. 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

Source: FishBase, licensed CC BY-NC 4.0.

Species facts

Scientific name: Hypophthalmichthys nobilis
Family: Cyprinidae (Minnows or carps)
Order: Cypriniformes (Carps)
Class: Actinopterygii (Ray-finned fishes)
Maximum length: 146
Common length: 60.0
Depth range: 5 m (16 ft)
Environment: Freshwater; benthopelagic; potamodromous; depth range 5 - ? m
Climate: Temperate
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. Often confused with Hypophthalmichthys molitrix.
Conservation status (IUCN): Not Evaluated
Threat to humans: Potential pest
Uses: Fisheries: highly commercial; aquaculture: commercial; aquarium: public aquariums
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)