Grass carp
Grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella) is a large freshwater fish native to East Asia that feeds mainly on aquatic vegetation.
Ctenopharyngodon idella: Ctenopharyngodon idella is the scientific name of the grass carp, a freshwater fish in the family Xenocyprididae. This is the species designation for grass carp.
Biological control: Biological control uses living organisms to suppress pests or unwanted species. Grass carp is used as a living agent against excessive aquatic vegetation.
Invasive species: An invasive species is a nonnative organism whose establishment causes ecological, economic, or other harm. Grass carp can become invasive where introduced populations establish and spread.
Silver carp: Silver carp (Hypophthalmichthys molitrix) is an Asian freshwater fish that filters plankton from the water. Unlike grass carp, silver carp feeds mainly on plankton rather than aquatic plants.
East Asia: East Asia is a region encompassing China, Japan, Korea, Mongolia, and nearby areas. Grass carp is native to rivers of China and adjacent parts of East Asia.
Xenocyprididae: Xenocyprididae is a family of freshwater cypriniform fishes native mainly to Asia. Grass carp belongs to this fish family.
Aquatic weed control: Aquatic weed control is the management of unwanted plants in water bodies. Grass carp can reduce dense stands of submerged vegetation.
Trophic cascade: A trophic cascade is an indirect ecological effect in which changes at one food-web level alter other levels. Removing aquatic plants can reshape habitat and affect organisms across the food web.
Common carp: Common carp (Cyprinus carpio) is a bottom-feeding freshwater fish native to Eurasia. Common carp often disturbs sediments, whereas grass carp primarily grazes vegetation.
Yangtze River: The Yangtze is the longest river in Asia, flowing across central China to the East China Sea. The species' native range includes the Yangtze basin.