Grass carp
Ctenopharyngodon idella
Where at Shedd?
At Home on the Great Lakes
| Diet | Aquatic plants and grasses, as well as detritus and invertebrates |
|---|---|
| Size | Length: Up to 5 feet (150 cm) |
| Type | Fishes |
| Range | China, East Siberia |
| Habitat | Rivers of northern China and southeastern Siberia; introduced worldwide |
Did you know?
- You can tell the grass carp from the bighead and silver carp by the grass carp’s larger scales.
- Grass carp are plant-eaters, unlike their filter-feeding cousins. Imported to the U.S., they became invaders after being released intentionally to control weeds in aquaculture ponds.