Ctenopharyngodon

Ctenopharyngodon is a genus of freshwater fish in the carp family, Cyprinidae. The only recognized species in this genus is Ctenopharyngodon idella, commonly known as the grass carp. This fish is native to East Asia but has been introduced worldwide for aquaculture and biological control of aquatic vegetation.

Grass carp are large, elongate fish with a torpedo-shaped body. They possess a single, continuous dorsal fin and a forked tail fin. A distinctive feature is their pharyngeal teeth, which are comb-like and arranged in a single row, adapted for their herbivorous diet. Their coloration is typically olive-green to silvery, with darker fins.

These fish are primarily herbivores, feeding on a wide variety of aquatic plants, algae, and submerged vegetation. Their voracious appetite makes them effective at controlling excessive plant growth in lakes, ponds, and canals. While primarily plant-eaters, they may occasionally consume zooplankton or small invertebrates, especially when young.

Ctenopharyngodon idella are economically important for aquaculture and are a popular food fish in many parts of the world. They have also been used as a biological control agent to manage invasive aquatic weeds. However, their introduction into non-native environments has raised concerns about potential ecological impacts, including competition with native species and alteration of habitat structure.