Silver carp - Hypophthalmichthys molitrix

The silver carp has been known in aquaristics for a long time and is scientifically called Hypophthalmichthys molitrix (VALENCIENNES, 1844). It is also occasionally called silver armur, silverfish or tolstolob. Especially since the 1960s it is also found in European rivers, as it was settled here for algae extermination. However, this industrious comrade keeps the garden pond free of algae and otherwise behaves peacefully.

Its back shimmers silver with a darker dorsum. Most noticeable are its eyes located below its midbody, as well as the large mouth above. The fins can be reddish transparent. They have gill reus spines with which they filter phytoplankton from the water so that it becomes clear again.

In their habitat they can grow up to 130 cm, but in the pond this is rather unlikely. Your pond should provide at least a volume of 10,000 liters for two animals and 1000 more per additional silver carp. It is recommended to keep them in pairs. With 200 cm the garden pond for the silver carp should also be deep enough so that it does not freeze in winter and the animals can overwinter without hesitation - they usually do this in the middle water zone and at the bottom of the pond. An ice freezer or thermostat can also be used to keep the water surface ice free. They also require a lot of oxygen, so the pond should be aerated with the help of outflow stones.

Silver carp do not become sexually mature until they are about 4 years old, and tend not to reproduce in European garden ponds due to climatic conditions. In their countries of origin, they mate in the summer months in rather current-rich or flooded areas. The fish larvae are initially fed on their yolk sac before switching their diet to phytoplankton.

Silver carp also feed on filamentous algae, floating al gae and the like found in the pond. They can also be fed with a flake food for pond fish.