Hypophthalmichthys molitrix (Valenciennes, 1844)

[I]—Silver carp

Taxonomy. Original description: Leuciscus molitrix Valenciennes in Cuvier&Valenciennes1844:360 (China;no types known).—Afghanistan synonyms:None.—Revisions: Berg(1949:846).—Illustration: Berg(1949:847,fig.579).

Status in Afghanistan. First record from Afghanistan by Moravec and Amin (1978); confirmed by Coad (1981: 11; 2014: 318).— Afghanistan materials: None.

Distribution and habitat. Distribution in Afghanistan: Kabul River drainage.—General distribution: Asia: East Asia: Yangtze River basin, China and Russia; widely introduced elsewhere.—Habitat: This species migrates upstream for spawning. In its natural range, eggs and larva float downstream to floodplain zones. An active species well known for its habit of leaping clear of the water when disturbed. Swims just beneath the water’s surface. Very sensitive to low temperatures (below 5°C) and oxygen deficits. It feeds on phytoplankton and zooplankton. Freshwater, brackish.

Economic importance. Commercially important.

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

Conservation. Not relevant (introduced species).