Not furry, but we like them anyway.

Grass Carp

Ctenopharyngodon idella

Also called White amur

SpeciesShort profile

From Eastern Asia: the Amur River system of eastern Russia and China, south to the West River of southern China1 2

At a glance the quick version

Length60 to 200 cm3 1 2

Lifespan5 to 21 years3 1

Sizelarge

Dedicated plant eater that grazes submerged vegetation

Grows into an impressive, long-lived pond fish

Tolerant of a wide temperature range

2 3 1

Looks how to spot one

Large-scaled, torpedo-shaped fish

A long, rounded, powerful fish with big scales that have darker edges, giving a net-like pattern. The mouth sits at the tip of the head, the eyes are small and set low, and there are no barbels. The dorsal fin is short.2 3

Coloursdark olive to olive-brown backbrownish-yellow to silvery sideswhite belly3 2

Personality what they are like

A calm, steady grazer that spends its time browsing plants in quiet water rather than chasing other fish.2 1

Daily activity how busy a day looks

Needs plenty of room to cruise as it grows large; it feeds most actively in warm water, and its feeding drops off sharply once the water falls below about 14 °C.2 3

Grooming and care the hands-on bits

Best suited to large ponds, lakes or reservoirs rather than small garden ponds. In many regions, including several US states, only sterile (triploid) fish may be stocked and a permit is often needed, so check local rules before buying.2 3

Home where they are happiest

Prefers large, slow-flowing or still water with plenty of vegetation. Copes with water from about 0 to 35 °C and can handle slightly brackish water.1 2

Food basics what goes in the bowl

Herbivore. Eats large amounts of submerged plants and grasses, and also takes some detritus, insects and other small invertebrates.1 2 3

The story where it all began

Grass carp have been farmed for food in China for centuries as part of a traditional mix of pond fish. From the 1960s they were taken to Europe, North America and New Zealand, largely to keep water plants in check, and the first US imports arrived in 1963. Today it is the most heavily farmed fish species in the world.3 2

Fun facts for the dinner table

1
Worldwide farmed production is over five million tonnes a year, the highest of any fish species.3
2
A grass carp can reportedly eat up to three times its own body weight in plants in a day.3
3
Sterile 'triploid' grass carp are made by giving fertilised eggs a brief shock of heat or cold.2
4
Its eggs drift in the current and hatch in only two to three days.1
5
It can tolerate water as salty as about 10 parts per thousand.1

Recognised by the official bits

IUCN Red List: Assessed as Least Concern (2020)1
Chinese aquaculture tradition: One of China's 'Four Great Domestic Fish' raised together in ponds3

The care rhythm a typical week and year

A typical home-care rhythm for a Grass Carp. A starting point, not a vet's advice.

FeedingOnly in the warm seasonevery day
Pond checkevery day
Water testevery 2 weeks
Filter cleanevery month

Owner questions the things everyone asks

How often should I feed my Grass Carp?

Furry Diary's starting plan is to feed daily during the warm season when the water is above about 14 °C. In cooler weather, feeding drops off sharply, so you can reduce or stop until temperatures rise again. Always check the food label and ask your vet for exact amounts.2 3 Pet Wiki plan

What does a Grass Carp eat, and what should it never eat?

Grass Carp are herbivores that love submerged plants, grasses, and also some detritus, insects, and small invertebrates. Never feed them anything that could harm them, like processed human foods or anything with chemicals; stick to natural plant matter and a quality herbivore fish food.2 1 3

How much space does a Grass Carp need?

Grass Carp grow large and need plenty of room to cruise, so they are best suited to large ponds, lakes, or reservoirs rather than small garden ponds. The exact space varies with the fish's size, so ask a good breeder or exotic-pet vet for guidance.2 3

What temperature, light or water does a Grass Carp need?

Grass Carp prefer large, slow-flowing or still water with plenty of vegetation, and they cope with temperatures from about 0 to 35 °C. They can handle slightly brackish water, but natural daylight cycles are fine; no special lighting is needed.2 1

How often should I clean a Grass Carp's home?

Furry Diary's starting plan suggests a daily pond check, a water test every two weeks, and a filter clean every month. Cleaning frequency depends on your pond size and fish load, so ask your vet for a routine that fits your setup. Pet Wiki plan

Can a Grass Carp live with others?

Yes, Grass Carp are calm, steady grazers that spend their time browsing plants rather than chasing other fish, so they can live with other peaceful pond fish. Just ensure there is enough space and vegetation for everyone.2 1

How long does a Grass Carp live?

Grass Carp can live between 5 and 21 years, depending on their environment and care. Providing a large, clean pond with proper feeding helps them reach their full lifespan.1 3

Can I handle a Grass Carp?

Grass Carp are not fish to handle regularly; they are best left in the water to avoid stress and injury. If you need to move one, use a soft net and wet hands, and consult a vet for proper techniques.2 3

Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Pet Wiki's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.

Common Carp

Koi

Tench

Golden Orfe

Where this comes from

Every fact on this page has a numbered source. Spotted an error? [email protected].

FishBase: Ctenopharyngodon idella fishbase.seused for range, size, age, environment, diet, IUCN status
USGS Nonindigenous Aquatic Species: Grass carp fact sheet nas.er.usgs.govused for identification, range, US introduction, triploid stocking, feeding temperature
Wikipedia: Grass carp en.wikipedia.orgused for appearance, size, lifespan, history, production, fun facts

Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.