Cirrhinus molitorella


Cirrhinus molitorella is a species of ray-finned fish in the genus Cirrhinus found mainly in southern China and Vietnam.

History

The mud carp is a fish native to China and found in the waterways of the Pearl River, but it is 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. Increase of hunting has threatened the number of mud carp.
The fish is sometimes canned or processed as fish cakes, fish balls or dumplings. They can be found for retail sale within China.