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Smallscale mud carp (Plagiognathops microlepis) — Cyprinidae

Smallscale mud carp

Plagiognathops microlepis
Family: Cyprinidae

The Smallscale mud carp (Plagiognathops microlepis) is a freshwater fish of the family Cyprinidae that grows up to 70 cm.

Length
70 cm
Water
Freshwater
Diet
Omnivore
Activity
Diurnal
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom
Danger
Harmless

Description

The smallscale mud carp is a cyprinid relative (Xenocyprididae) from large rivers and lakes of East Asia. The species grows to about 40 cm and has an elongate, silver-grey body with conspicuously small scales and an inferior, transverse mouth with a horny edge. As a bottom-dweller it rasps algae, biofilm and detritus from the bottom and stones. It is a valued food fish. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Smallscale mud carp?

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

Where does the Smallscale mud carp live?

The Smallscale mud carp lives in fresh water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom.

How big does the Smallscale mud carp get?

The Smallscale mud carp grows to a maximum of about 70 cm. On average the species is around 68 cm.

Is the Smallscale mud carp dangerous to humans?

No, the Smallscale mud carp is harmless to humans.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Kleinschub-modderkarper sourced
English name
Smallscale mud carp sourced
Scientific name
Plagiognathops microlepis
Family
Cyprinidae
Other names
Smallscale yellowfin verified

Appearance

Size class
Large verified
Max length (cm)
70.0 verified
Average length (cm)
67.5 verified
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Silver / grey sourced
Tail shape
Forked inferred
Mouth position
Inferior (downward) sourced

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Freshwater sourced
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom sourced
Origin
Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Omnivore inferred
Territorial
No inferred
Activity
Diurnal inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes inferred
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred

For anglers

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 verified

Status & sources

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

More from the family Cyprinidae

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