Other names: -
The bighead carp (Hypophthalmichthys nobilis) is a freshwater fish native to rivers in China. It is characterized by its large head and scattered dark blotches. Widely introduced around the world, it thrives in rivers, lakes, and ponds. Its diet consists mainly of zooplankton, making it valuable in aquaculture for controlling plankton populations. Bighead carp is a significant species in commercial fisheries and aquaculture.
Length
~60" (max 146)
Weight
~18" (max 40)
Water
Fresh
Water Temp
38° F
Depth
2 ft
Bread
Earthworms
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Bighead carp prefers large rivers with slow-moving currents and fluctuating water levels
They can also thrive in lakes, ponds, and flooded areas with ample zooplankton
The fish forages near the surface or middle layers of water, feeding mainly on plankton
It is well-adapted to environments with warm, temperate waters, though it can tolerate slight salinity
Bighead carp migrate upstream to spawn, triggered by rising water levels during flooding seasons
Spawning typically occurs in warm, fast-moving waters with high oxygen content
After spawning, larvae drift downstream, where they grow in calmer backwaters or floodplain lakes
As temperatures drop, both juveniles and adults form large schools and move to deeper waters for the winter months
