Fauna
Species · GBIF taxon 2362030

Grass Carp

Ctenopharyngodon idella

Also known as White Amur

Grass carp are torpedo-shaped river fish renowned for their voracious appetite, capable of eating their own body weight in submerged vegetation each day. They spawn in large, turbulent rivers where high water flow keeps their buoyant eggs suspended in the water column until hatching. Widely introduced across the globe for aquatic weed biocontrol, they have established invasive populations that dramatically alter wetland habitats and outcompete native species.

FreshwaterHerbivorousInvasive
Grass Carp reference1 / 7
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Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Key facts
Diet & prey
  • Hydrilla
  • Eurasian Watermilfoil
  • Duckweed
Predators
  • Northern Pike
  • Largemouth Bass
  • Osprey
ThreatsOverfishing in native range, dam construction blocking spawning runs
HabitatsLarge turbulent rivers, lakes, ponds, and canals
Life span15–20 years
Classification
  1. FamilyCyprinidae
  2. SpeciesCtenopharyngodon idella
Range & activity
Range data is not available yet.
Safe observation
Interaction riskLow
  1. Low
  2. Moderate
  3. High
  4. Very high
Why interaction risk is low
Safe to observe at a normal distance.
Responsible observation
  • Spotting Shallows: Look for large wakes and clipped surface vegetation in sunlit weed beds during calm afternoons.
  • Angling Precautions: Use strong tackle when targeting them, as hooked fish fight vigorously near weed lines.
  • Prevent Spread: Never transport live fish or release aquarium or stocked specimens into open public waterways.
Related species
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