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Dianchi carp (Cyprinus micristius) — Cyprinidae

Dianchi carp

Cyprinus micristius
Family: Cyprinidae
EN · Endangered

The Dianchi carp (Cyprinus micristius) is a freshwater fish of the family Cyprinidae that grows up to 20 cm.

Length
20 cm
Water
Freshwater
Diet
Omnivore
Activity
Diurnal
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom
Danger
Harmless
Range
Asia: China

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Description

The Dianchi carp is a carp (Cyprinidae) endemic to Lake Dian and nearby in Yunnan, China. The species grows to about 25 cm and has an elongate, silvery body with large scales and an inferior mouth with barbels. As a bottom-oriented fish it searches the lake for molluscs, insect larvae, algae and detritus. Through water pollution and alien fish the species is endangered. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Dianchi carp?

The Dianchi carp has a torpedo-shaped body and is mainly silver-grey.

Where does the Dianchi carp live?

The Dianchi carp lives in fresh water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Asia: China

How big does the Dianchi carp get?

The Dianchi carp grows to a maximum of about 20 cm. On average the species is around 10 cm.

Is the Dianchi carp dangerous to humans?

No, the Dianchi 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.

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All data

Identification

English name
Dianchi carp sourced
Scientific name
Cyprinus micristius
Family
Cyprinidae

Appearance

Size class
Medium verified
Max length (cm)
20.0 verified
Average length (cm)
10.4 verified
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Silver / grey sourced
Tail shape
Forked inferred
Mouth position
Inferior (downward) sourced
Barbels
Yes sourced

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Freshwater sourced
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom sourced
Natural range
Asia: China sourced
Origin
Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Omnivore inferred
Diet (detail)
Invertebrates, algae and detritus inferred
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

Fishing method
Bottom fishing with natural bait (worm, shrimp or fish) on or just above the seabed. inferred
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 Cyprinus

More from the family Cyprinidae

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