There are many species of heavy-bodied cyprinid fishes collectively known as Asian carps. Heavy-bodied cyprinids from the subcontinent (for example Catla Catla catla and mrigal Cirrhinus cirrhosus) are not included in this classification and are known collectively as "Indian Carps".
Seven Asian carps have been substantially introduced outside of their native ranges:
grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella)
common carp (Cyprinus carpio)
silver carp (Hypophthalmichthys molitrix)
bighead carp (Hypophthalmichthys nobilis)
black carp (Mylopharyngodon piceus)
goldfish (Carassius auratus)
crucian carp (Carassius carassius)
All seven species have been cultivated in aquaculture in China for over 1,000 years. Grass, silver, bighead and black carps are known as the "Four Domesticated Fish" in China and are the most important freshwater fish species for food and Chinese medicine. Bighead and silver carps are the most important fish, worldwide, in terms of total aquaculture production [1] . Common carp and crucian carp are also common foodfishes in China and elsewhere. Goldfish, on the other hand, are cultivated mainly as pet fish.
skip to main |
skip to sidebar
There are many species of heavy-bodied cyprinid fishes collectively known as Asian carps. Heavy-bodied cyprinids from the subcontinent (for example Catla Catla catla and mrigal Cirrhinus cirrhosus) are not included in this classification and are known collectively as "Indian Carps".
