Phylum Chordata Scientific name Cirrhinus molitorella Rank Species | ||
Similar Bighead carp, Silver carp, Black carp, Grass carp, Ricebean | ||
Cirrhinus molitorella (mud carp or dace) is a species of ray-finned fish in the genus Cirrhinus found mainly in southern China and Vietnam.
Contents
History
The mud carp is a fish native to China and found in the waterways of the Pearl River, but it also found in the Mekong River. The freshwater fish was introduced as food fish to substitute Common carp for common people as the former fish was reserved for consumption by the Emperor.
Habitat
The mud carp is found in Mekong River and Pearl River delta, as well as bodies of freshwater along these two rivers.
The fish has been introduced to Indonesia, Singapore, Japan, Taiwan, and Hong Kong.
Within China the fish is raised on fish farms.
Dispersion
Mekong River, Chao Phraya River, Mae Klong River and Tapee River Basin in the south of Thailand
Utilization
Fishery: Trade; Aquaculture: Trade
Diet
Mud carp is an omnivore and mainly consumes water plants or insects. Farm raised carp are fed pellets.
Food
Due to low cost of production, the fish is mainly consumed by the poor and locally consumed; it is mostly sold live and eaten fresh, but can be dried and salted.
The fish is sometimes canned (typically as Fried dace with salted black beans) or processed as fish cakes, fish balls or dumplings. They can be found for retail sale within China.