Grass Carp
ExploreFish
Grass Carp
Ctenopharyngodon idella
The Grass Carp is a fish that loves to munch on water plants. They help keep our lakes and ponds clean!
Habitat: Ponds and lakes
Appearance
The Grass Carp has an elongated, torpedo-shaped body with a greenish-brown to silvery-gold back and lighter belly. Its large, distinct scales give it a somewhat armor-like appearance, differentiating it from common carp by its lack of barbels.
KingdomAnimaliaPhylumChordataClassActinopterygiiOrderCypriniformesFamilyCyprinidaeGenusCtenopharyngodon
Category
FishRarity
Common
Danger
2/5
Snaps
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Interesting facts
A single female Grass Carp can lay hundreds of thousands of eggs in one spawning season!
Despite being called 'carp,' they are more closely related to minnows than common carp!
They are used by people to naturally clear weedy waterways without any chemicals!
They were first brought to the U.S. in 1963 to help control nuisance aquatic weeds.
Special abilities
Ability
Aquatic Gardener
Grass Carp can efficiently clear dense aquatic vegetation because of their powerful, specialized pharyngeal teeth that help them grind tough plants.
Ability
Rapid Grower
Grass Carp has a very fast growth rate that helps them quickly reach a large size, making them less vulnerable to predators.
Ability
Streamlined Swimmer
Grass Carp can navigate varied water conditions and strong currents because of their powerful, streamlined body, helping them find food.
Measurements & details
- Length
- 60-120 cm
- Weight
- 10-45 kg
- Lifespan
- 5-15 years
- Swim Speed
- 20 km/h
- Max Depth
- 15 m
- Water Type
- Freshwater
Diet & Feeding
These fish are big plant-eaters, helping to keep watery areas clear of too many weeds!
Age differences: Young carp may eat small invertebrates, but quickly shift to an almost exclusively plant-based diet.
Primary Foods
- Submerged aquatic plants
- Emergent aquatic plants
- Filamentous algae
- Duckweed
Foraging Method
- Grazing
Ecological connections
depends on
Humans
Homo sapiens
for aquatic weed management.
eaten by
Largemouth Bass
Micropterus salmoides
young carp are prey for larger fish.
eats
Broadleaf Cattail
Typha latifolia
consumes leaves and shoots of this plant.
eats
Longleaf Pondweed
Potamogeton nodosus
grazes on various submerged plants.
eats
Hydrilla
Hydrilla verticillata
helps control this invasive weed.
Traits
Wildlife
Step into the incredible world of wild animals and plants living freely in nature. From tiny insects to towering trees, it's all part of the wild wonders around us!
Social
Discover creatures that love to live and work together! These animals form groups, helping each other find food, stay safe, and raise their young.
Filter Feeder
Discover amazing animals that filter their food right from the water! They have special ways to strain tiny bits of plants or other creatures to eat.
Herbivorous
Meet the peaceful munchers and grazers who find all their nourishment from plants, leaves, and fruits. They transform plant energy into life!
Freshwater
Discover animals and plants that live in non-salty water, like rivers, lakes, and ponds! These watery homes are vibrant with life.
Aquatic
Discover amazing creatures that call water their home, whether it's oceans, rivers, or lakes! These habitats are full of incredible life.
Also known as
Grass KarpWhite Amur
Collections
Safety
Danger
2/5
Watch quietly from a distance and never try to feed or chase wild animals.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is Grass Carp?
60-120 cm
How much does Grass Carp weigh?
10-45 kg
How long does Grass Carp live?
5-15 years
What does Grass Carp eat?
These fish are big plant-eaters, helping to keep watery areas clear of too many weeds!
How fast can Grass Carp swim?
20 km/h
Where is Grass Carp usually found?
Ponds and lakes
How does Grass Carp hunt?
Grazing
How deep can Grass Carp go?
15 m
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