Family : Cyprinidae (Minnows or carps)
Order : Cypriniformes  (carps)
Class : Actinopterygii (ray-finned fishes)
Fishbase Name : Bighead carp
Fish Name : Hypophthalmichthys nobilis
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 : Dangerous:  
Dangerous : potential pest
Coordinator :
Main Ref : Kottelat, M.. 2001. (Ref. 44416)

India country information
Common Names : Bighead carp, Belli-gende, Big head
Status : introduced
Salinity : freshwater
Uses : no uses