Hypophthalmichthys nobilis (Richardson, 1845) [I]—Asian carp, big head carp

Taxonomy. Original description: Leuciscus nobilis Richardson, 1845: 140, pl. 63, fig. 3 (Canton, China; holotype: BMNH 1968.3.11.4].— Iraq synonyms: None.—Revisions: None.—Illustration: Richardson (1845: pl. 63, fig. 3) as Leuciscus nobilis .

Status in Iraq. Introduced by the government of Iraq in 1968 (Jawad 2003).—Iraq materials: None.

Distribution and habitat. Distribution in Iraq: Introduce somewehere in Tigris and Euphrates rivers drainages.— General distribution: East Asia: Yangtze River basin (China); widely introduced elsewhere.—Habitat: This species occurs in both fast-running and standing streams in mainly shallow but also deep areas. It is an omnivore and is thought to have a moderate tolerance for habitat degradation. Freshwater.

Economic importance. Commercially important.

Reasons of introduction. Fisheries: enhancement of wild stocks and sports fishing.

Conservation. Not relevant (introduced species).