Grass Carp: The Fish that Feeds Half of China

Grass carp also known as white carp, grass-roots fish, and thick fish, is the most important freshwater fish species cultured in China. Geographical differences mean that the yields of grass carp differ significantly among different regions of China. Several different grass carp culture models are practiced in China. They can be classified according to various characteristics: farm location, water conditions, grow-out species combination, and culture intensity. Pond culture is the main culture model for grass carp, accounting for 71 percent of all freshwater aquaculture production, followed by reservoirs culture, lake culture, culture in river channels and rivulets, paddy culture, and other models. China covers a huge geographical area, with abundant resources, complex landscapes, and multiple rivers. Grass carp aquaculture in Central China is characterized by the green-grass aquaculture model and intensive high-density culture model. Mature grass carp used for artificial propagation should be sturdy, of normal color, and have no signs of injury or disease.