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Armoured carp (Anematichthys armatus) — Cyprinidae

Armoured carp

Anematichthys armatus
Family: Cyprinidae

The Armoured carp (Anematichthys armatus) is a fish of the family Cyprinidae that grows up to 20 cm.

Length
20 cm
Diet
Omnivore
Behaviour
Schooling
Activity
Diurnal
Substrate
Open water
Danger
Harmless

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Description

The Armoured carp is a cyprinid (Cyprinidae) from rivers, lakes and floodplains of Southeast Asia. The species grows to about 20 cm and has an elongate, silvery body with large scales and barbels by the mouth. As a social omnivore it searches for insect larvae, small invertebrates, algae and plant matter. It is locally a valued food fish. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Armoured carp?

The Armoured carp is mainly silver-grey.

Where does the Armoured carp live?

The Armoured carp is mostly found around open water.

How big does the Armoured carp get?

The Armoured carp grows to a maximum of about 20 cm.

Is the Armoured carp dangerous to humans?

No, the Armoured carp is harmless to humans. This species is harmless to humans. No specific first aid is needed. Still handle the fish with care: mind the fin rays and the sharp edges of the gill cover, and rinse any scratch with clean water and cover it. For a dirty or deep wound check tetanus status.

More photos

Armoured carp (Anematichthys armatus) — Cyprinidae — 2
Florida Museum of Natural History Ichthyology (CC BY-NC 4.0) via GBIF — UF
Armoured carp (Anematichthys armatus) — Cyprinidae — 3
Florida Museum of Natural History Ichthyology (CC BY-NC 4.0) via GBIF — UF
Armoured carp (Anematichthys armatus) — Cyprinidae — 4
iNaturalist ((c) Woraphot Bunkhwamdi, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))
Armoured carp (Anematichthys armatus) — Cyprinidae — 5
Raredon, Sandra J. (CC0 1.0) via GBIF — USNM
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All data

Identification

English name
Armoured carp sourced
Scientific name
Anematichthys armatus
Family
Cyprinidae

Appearance

Size class
Medium
Max length (cm)
20 inferred
Dominant colour
Silver / grey sourced
Tail shape
Forked inferred
Barbels
Yes sourced

Habitat & distribution

Substrate
Open water sourced
Origin
Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Omnivore inferred
Diet (detail)
Invertebrates, algae and detritus inferred
Social behaviour
Schooling sourced
Territorial
No inferred
Activity
Diurnal inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes inferred
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred
Seasonality
Present year-round in its habitat; no pronounced seasonality known. inferred

For anglers

Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless verified
First aid
This species is harmless to humans. No specific first aid is needed. Still handle the fish with care: mind the fin rays and the sharp edges of the gill cover, and rinse any scratch with clean water and cover it. For a dirty or deep wound check tetanus status. verified

Status & sources

Sources
FishBase via GBIF (DwC-A), CC-BY-NC 4.0

Same genus Anematichthys

More from the family Cyprinidae

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