Hypophthalmichthys nobilis - (Bighead carp)

Family:	Cyprinidae (Minnows or carps)
Order:	Cypriniformes (carps)
Class:	Actinopterygii (ray-finned fishes)
FishBase name:	Bighead carp
Max. size:	112 cm TL (male/unsexed; Ref. 40637); max. published weight: 21.3 kg (Ref. 40637)
Environment:	benthopelagic; potamodromous ; depth range - 5 m
Climate:	temperate; 4 - 26°C; 64°N - 18°S
Global Importance:	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)
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.
Diagnosis:	Dorsal spines (total): 3-3; Dorsal soft rays (total): 7-7; Anal spines: 1-3; Anal soft rays: 12-14. Body with numerous scattered small black blotches. Keels extend from pelvic base to anus. Barbels absent. Posterior margin of last simple dorsal ray not serrated. Branched anal rays 13-14.5 (Ref. 13274).
Biology:	Occurs in rivers and lakes. Feeds mainly on zooplankton. Bottom feeding fish (Ref. 6459). Marketed fresh and frozen
Threatened:	Not Evaluated, see IUCN Red List , (Ref. 36508)
Dangerous:	potential pest
Coordinator:

Sri Lanka country information
Common names:	Bighead carp