Silver carp (Hypophthalmichthys molitrix) and bighead carp (Hypophthalmichthys nobilis) are large, fast-growing freshwater fish native to East Asia, particularly China. These filter-feeding carps are highly valued for their rapid growth and adaptability, making them important both in aquaculture and wild fisheries. China dominates global production, harvesting millions of tons annually, primarily through aquaculture in rivers, lakes, and man-made ponds. Other significant producers include countries in Southeast Asia such as Vietnam, Myanmar, and Bangladesh, where these carps are farmed and caught for local consumption and export. The fishing industry for these species is crucial for food security and rural livelihoods in these regions, with China leading both in technological development and total output. While these carps are less commonly targeted in Western countries, they have become invasive in North America, where their rapid proliferation poses ecological challenges.
| Rank | Country | Metric Tons |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Hungary | 88 |
Data from FAO. 2025. Global Capture Production. In: Fisheries and Aquaculture.