Species learning profile
Silver carp
Hypophthalmichthys molitrix
Silver carp (Hypophthalmichthys molitrix) is a freshwater fish associated with river habitat in Asia. Dense schools may leap from the water when startled by boat motors.
Your learning progress stays on this device.
At a glance
- Agua
- Agua dulce
- Habitat
- Río
- Longitud máxima
- 140 cm
- Distribución
- Asia
- Familia
- Xenocyprididae
- Orden
- Cypriniformes
Observe
How to identify Silver carp
- Dense schools may leap from the water when startled by boat motors.
- Guide context: river habitat in Asia.
- Reported maximum length: 140 cm — capable of growing longer than many people are tall. Maximum is not the same as typical adult size.
Field note: color, size, and markings can change with age, sex, season, depth, and lighting. Use several traits together.
Place and pattern
Where it lives—and how it behaves
Habitat and range
This species is associated with river habitat across Asia. Flow, seasonal floods, connected side channels, and access to spawning reaches all shape its river habitat.
Behavior
Filter-feeds in open water
Food-web connections
What it eats and why it matters
Diet
Phytoplankton and fine organic particles.
Ecological role
Channels plankton production into large fish biomass.
Remember
One fact worth keeping
Silver carp puede medir unos 140 cm y suele encontrarse cerca de Río.
Think like a conservationist
A conservation lens
River fish depend on connected water. Dams, blocked migrations, pollution, and altered flow can matter even when the channel still looks wet.
This habitat lens is not a current population-status assessment. Status can differ among regions and change as new assessments are published; follow the reference links and local fisheries or wildlife agencies for current decisions.
Recall
Quick knowledge check
Which habitat is most closely associated with Silver carp in this guide?
Keep exploring
References and further reading
Fishdle summarizes stable identification and ecology concepts in plain language. Taxonomy and population knowledge continue to change, so use primary assessments and regional authorities for conservation or management decisions.
Make connections