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Long pike carp (Luciobrama macrocephalus) — Cyprinidae

Long pike carp

Luciobrama macrocephalus
Family: Cyprinidae

The Long pike carp (Luciobrama macrocephalus) is a brackish-water fish of the family Cyprinidae that grows up to 48 cm.

Length
48 cm
Water
Brackish
Diet
Omnivore
Activity
Diurnal
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped
Substrate
Open water
Danger
Harmless
Range
Asia: China, Viet Nam

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Description

The Long pike carp is a large, predatory cyprinid (Cyprinidae) from large rivers and lakes of the large rivers of southern China and Southeast Asia. The species grows to about 1 metre and has a very elongate, pike-like, silvery body with a pointed head and a large mouth. As a fast predator of open water it chases small and medium-sized fish. It is locally a valued food fish, but often reduced by overfishing and dams. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Long pike carp?

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

Where does the Long pike carp live?

The Long pike carp lives in brackish water and is mostly found around open water. Asia: China, Viet Nam

How big does the Long pike carp get?

The Long pike carp grows to a maximum of about 48 cm. On average the species is around 24 cm.

Is the Long pike carp dangerous to humans?

No, the Long pike 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
Long pike carp sourced
Scientific name
Luciobrama macrocephalus
Family
Cyprinidae
Other names
Long spiky-head carp sourced

Appearance

Size class
Large verified
Max length (cm)
48.0 verified
Average length (cm)
24.0 verified
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Silver / grey sourced
Tail shape
Forked inferred

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Brackish sourced
Substrate
Open water sourced
Natural range
Asia: China, Viet Nam 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
Can be caught with natural bait or lures, matched to the size and habitat of the species. 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

More from the family Cyprinidae

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