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Hooksnout carp (Opsariichthys bidens) — Cyprinidae

Hooksnout carp

Opsariichthys bidens
Family: Cyprinidae
LC · Least Concern

The Hooksnout carp (Opsariichthys bidens) is a freshwater fish of the family Cyprinidae that grows up to 26 cm.

Length
26.1 cm
Water
Freshwater
Diet
Carnivore
Behaviour
Small groups
Activity
Diurnal
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped
Substrate
Mixed bottom
Danger
Harmless
Edibility
Commonly eaten

Description

The hooksnout carp is a cyprinid (Cyprinidae) from East Asia. The species grows to about 25 cm and has a slender, streamlined, silvery body; courting males develop handsome blue-pink tints and breeding tubercles. Characteristic is the large mouth with a hook-shaped junction between the lower and upper jaw, to which the name refers. It lives in clear, flowing rivers and streams, where as an active predator it hunts smaller fishes, insects and crustaceans. The species is a local food fish and is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Hooksnout carp?

The Hooksnout carp has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a plain pattern.

Where does the Hooksnout carp live?

The Hooksnout carp lives in fresh water and is mostly found around mixed bottom.

How big does the Hooksnout carp get?

The Hooksnout carp grows to a maximum of about 26 cm.

Is the Hooksnout carp dangerous to humans?

No, the Hooksnout carp is harmless to humans.

Is the Hooksnout carp edible?

Yes, the Hooksnout carp is commonly eaten.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Chinese haaksnuitkarper sourced
English name
Hooksnout carp sourced
Scientific name
Opsariichthys bidens
Family
Cyprinidae

Appearance

Size class
Medium verified
Max length (cm)
26.1 verified
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Silver / grey inferred
Pattern
Plain inferred
Tail shape
Forked inferred
Mouth position
Terminal inferred
Lips
Thin inferred
Barbels
No sourced
Dorsal fins
One continuous inferred
Dorsal spines
No sourced

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Freshwater sourced
Substrate
Mixed bottom sourced
Origin
Native sourced

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Carnivore sourced
Social behaviour
Small groups inferred
Territorial
No inferred
Activity
Diurnal inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes sourced
Sexual dimorphism
Yes inferred

For anglers

Edibility
Commonly eaten sourced
Fishing method
Bodemvissen met natuurlijk aas (worm, garnaal of vis) op of vlak boven de bodem. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless sourced

Status & sources

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

Same genus Opsariichthys

More from the family Cyprinidae

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