Amur Carp
Cyprinus rubrofuscus
This resilient wild species is the direct genetic ancestor of all ornamental Koi pond fish.
- Scientific name
- Cyprinus rubrofuscus
- Taxonomy
- Animalia › Chordata › Actinopterygii › Cypriniformes › Cyprinidae › Cyprinus
- IUCN Red List status
- Least Concern
- Population trend
- stable
- Biome
- aquatic
- Habitat
- Slow-flowing rivers, lakes, ponds, and reservoirs with muddy or sandy substrates.
- Diet
- Omnivorous, feeding on benthic invertebrates, aquatic insects, plant material, and detritus.
- Range
- Amur River Basin, East Asia, China, Russia, Introduced globally
- Size
- 30-100 cm in length, up to 15 kg
- Lifespan
- 15-20 years
- Active
- diurnal
- Threats
- Water pollution, river damming, and genetic hybridization with domesticated koi strains.
- Safe to approach?
- Harmless. If encountered while swimming or wading, they will quickly swim away. Safe to observe from any distance. If caught, handle with wet hands to protect their protective slime coat before releasing.
Cyprinus rubrofuscus , the Amur carp , is a species of cyprinid fish. It is widespread in Eastern Asia where native to Laos, Vietnam and China from the Amur to Red River drainages. It has also been introduced outside its native range. It is the wild form of the well known koi. It is known for its muddy flavor and boniness, hence, it is not commonly eaten by locals except when stewed.
Photo: りなべる, CC-BY, via iNaturalist
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