Top Silver Carp Fishing Countries

The silver carp (Hypophthalmichthys molitrix) is a fast-growing, plankton-feeding freshwater fish native to East Asia, recognized for its silvery body and distinctive upturned mouth. Originally cultivated in China for centuries, silver carp are an important species in global aquaculture due to their rapid growth and ability to thrive in diverse freshwater environments. China is by far the leading country in both wild harvest and aquaculture production of silver carp, followed by other Asian nations such as India, Bangladesh, and Vietnam, where the species is farmed extensively for food. In recent decades, silver carp have also been introduced to Eastern Europe, particularly in countries like Russia, Ukraine, and Hungary, where they contribute to local fisheries. However, in North America, especially in the United States, silver carp are considered an invasive species, causing ecological concerns rather than being a target for commercial fishing. Overall, the silver carp industry is dominated by Asian countries, with China at the forefront, supplying both domestic and international markets with this nutritious and affordable fish.

Data from FAO. 2025. Global Capture Production. In: Fisheries and Aquaculture.