Fin's Fish Guide
The Bighead carp (Hypophthalmichthys nobilis) is a freshwater fish of the family Cyprinidae that grows up to 146 cm.
Originally in the large rivers of East Asia, including China and the Amur basin.
Description
The bighead carp is a large, plankton-eating cyprinid of the family Cyprinidae that can reach about 1.5 metres and tens of kilograms. Characteristic are the enormous head with low-set eyes and the upturned mouth; the fish lacks barbels. With fine gill rakers it filters mainly zooplankton, supplemented with some phytoplankton, from the water. The species is native to the large rivers of East Asia but has been stocked worldwide for aquaculture and become locally invasive, including in the Mississippi basin and parts of Europe, where it can disturb the plankton balance. It grows fast and is widely farmed for food. Little is known about its wild stock (Data Deficient).
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Bighead carp?
The Bighead carp has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a spots pattern. Large, plant-eating cyprinid with an enormous head, low-set eyes and an upturned mouth; filters plankton with fine gill rakers.
Where does the Bighead carp live?
The Bighead carp lives in fresh water and is mostly found around mixed bottom. Originally in the large rivers of East Asia, including China and the Amur basin.
How big does the Bighead carp get?
The Bighead carp grows to a maximum of about 146 cm. On average the species is around 60 cm.
Is the Bighead carp dangerous to humans?
No, the Bighead carp is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Bighead carp edible?
Yes, the Bighead carp is commonly eaten.
More photos
Easily confused with
These species look like the Bighead carp and live in the same waters.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Hypophthalmichthys
More from the family Cyprinidae
Want the complete picture on the Bighead carp?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Bighead carp is one of 12,519 species in the app.