Grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella) are a species of freshwater fish that are native to eastern Asia, but have been introduced to other parts of the world as a means of controlling aquatic vegetation.
Physical characteristics: Grass carp have elongated, torpedo-shaped bodies that can grow up to 1.5 meters in length and weigh up to 45 kilograms. They are typically olive-green to dark brown in color with a white belly, and have large scales and a broad head with a blunt snout.
Diet: Grass carp are herbivores and primarily feed on aquatic plants, such as water hyacinth, pondweeds, and filamentous algae. They have a specialized pharyngeal apparatus that allows them to crush and grind tough plant material.
Reproduction: Grass carp spawn in the spring and early summer when water temperatures reach around 20°C. Females release up to 1 million eggs which are fertilized by the males, and they deposit their eggs in vegetation or other submerged structures. The eggs hatch in 2-5 days, and the young fish feed on plankton until they are large enough to switch to a herbivorous diet.
Habitat and distribution: Grass carp are freshwater fish found in rivers, lakes, and impoundments. They prefer clear, slow-moving water with abundant vegetation. Grass carp are native to eastern Asia but have been introduced to other parts of the world, including North America, Europe, and Australia, to control aquatic vegetation.
Conservation status: Grass carp are considered a species of least concern by the IUCN Red List, but in some areas where they have been introduced, they are considered an invasive species and can have negative impacts on native aquatic plants and animals.
Biology of grass carp
1 answer