Mud carp (Cirrhinus molitorella) is a freshwater species recorded in Hong Kong. It is found at depths of 5–20 m. The main season in Hong Kong runs all year.
Scientific name: Cirrhinus molitorella · Water: Freshwater · Season: All year
Size: up to 55 cm
Weight: up to 1.5 kg
The mud carp is a cyprinid that swims from midwater down to the bottom of large and medium-sized rivers, from 5 to 20 m. In the rainy season it moves into flooded forests to graze on algae, phytoplankton and detritus. Wild stocks are strongly migratory while cultivated ones probably are not, and the species prefers flowing water. Large fish are marketed fresh and smaller ones are made into prahoc. Maximum length is about 55 cm total length, commonly about 15.2 cm standard length, and it can weigh about 1.5 kg. It is a commercial species and is commercially farmed. Trophic level is 2, fishing vulnerability high at 60 of 100, and resilience medium. IUCN lists it as near threatened. It is available all year.
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