Silver carp

Hypophthalmichthys molitrix

A large East Asian carp that filters tiny plankton from the water. In introduced ranges it is famous for leaping from the surface when startled.

Key facts

Silver carp (Hypophthalmichthys molitrix) is a filter feeder animal classified as Fish · Cypriniformes · Cyprinidae.
Primary habitats are freshwater, with a range across Palearctic · Nearctic · Indomalayan.
Activity is cathemeral, sociality is herd, and conservation status is NT (Near Threatened).
A large East Asian carp that filters tiny plankton from the water.
Lives in large rivers, lakes, and reservoirs.

Habitat range map

Native rangeOccasional / Transient

Map: Ecoregions 2017 © RESOLVE (CC BY 4.0) · Natural Earth (PD)

Lives in large rivers, lakes, and reservoirs. Native to East Asia, it has spread widely through aquaculture and introductions.

The body is deep and silvery, with eyes set low on the head. The upward mouth and gill structures suit filter feeding.

It swims in groups and may jump when disturbed by boat noise or vibration. Reproduction depends on flowing rivers.

It filters phytoplankton, fine organic particles, and some zooplankton, sometimes altering plankton communities.

Adults release drifting eggs in large rivers. Eggs and larvae develop as they move downstream.

It is important in aquaculture, but invasive populations can affect native food webs, especially in North America.