Grass carp - Ctenopharyngodon idella

Grass carp Ctenopharyngodon idella is a really good old acquaintance - this almost classic pond fish from China is kept in very large garden ponds and in lakes and is also known as white Amur, Chinese carp or grass fish. Already in the 10th century, the herbivorous pond fish was used economically in Asia. Grass carp were released into Europe and the U.S. in the 1960s for algae control and to combat sprawling aquatic plant populations. Chinese carp prefer calm, deep water areas with rather warmer water temperatures.

The grass carp is a very elongated fish, which can grow to 120 centimeters and in exceptional cases even up to 150 cm and weigh up to 50 kg. Accordingly, the pond must be large: at least 10,000 liters for a group of two grass carp and 1000 liters additional for each additional grass carp. In addition, the pond should be at least 2 meters deep. We recommend keeping them in pairs. Keeping a wild specimen and an albino Grass Carp is also possible, of course.

The scales, which form a net pattern, are striking. The basic color of the Grass Carp is dark green to olive green, but there are also gray-brown or black-green specimens. The color is darker on the sides and back. Flanks and belly of the Chinese Carp are lighter. The slightly underslung, blunt and bulging mouth identifies it as a herbivore and algae e ater.

And that is exactly what it does: the grass carp is called grass carp because the fish even eats the grass at the edge of the pond when there is a lack of food! Grass carp eat algae, including filamentous algae, and all kinds of pond plants. So you will need to replant frequently in a pond with grass carp, but alternatively you can provide the fish with grass clippings or add a plant-based pond fish food. However, the grass carp will still eat the plants in the fish pond. Grass carp especially like to eat plants and algae with a fine and soft structure. Hornwort and duckweed, filamentous algae, reticulated algae, cattails, sedges, waterweed and reeds are among their favorite foods. Depending on the water temperature, grass carp can eat their own body weight per day of food in the summer months, but in winter they need much less.

Grass carp can live close to 35 years in exceptional cases, but usually they live 5-11 years. The White Amur grows to a size of up to 20 cm in the first year, depending on space and food supply, and gains another 10 cm in each subsequent year.

Grass carp tend to need warmer water, especially for spawning. They only get into spawning mood when the water temperatures are permanently above 20 °C. For this reason alone, mass reproduction is not to be feared in the home garden pond. Young grass carp initially eat small invertebrates such as worms, crustaceans and insect larvae, before switching to a purely vegetable diet as they grow. Smaller White Amur prefer the plants on the shore of the pond as a place to stay.

The grass carp likes water temperatures between 21 and 27° C and can cope even with 30° C without any problems. The pond may therefore also be located in full sun. Because grass carp need oxygen-rich water, the pond should be well aerated with a water feature, an oxydator for garden ponds or an aerator

Grass carp can overwinter in the pond, but then need an assured oxygen supply. An ice free holder or a pond thermostat will ensure that the water surface remains open.

Minimum order: 2 animals
Size: 7-10 cm or 10-12 cm