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Common skygazer (Chanodichthys erythropterus) — Cyprinidae

Common skygazer

Chanodichthys erythropterus
Family: Cyprinidae
LC · Least Concern

The Common skygazer (Chanodichthys erythropterus) is a brackish-water fish of the family Cyprinidae that grows up to 102 cm.

Length
102 cm
Water
Brackish
Depth
3.0–20.0 m
Diet
Carnivore
Behaviour
Small groups
Activity
Diurnal
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Mixed bottom
Danger
Harmless
Edibility
Commonly eaten

Description

The predatory carp is a large cyprinid from East Asia, including China, the Amur basin and adjacent areas. The species grows to about one metre and has an elongate, laterally compressed, silvery body with a strongly upturned mouth and reddish fins, to which the name refers. Adults inhabit rivers and lakes. Unlike most cyprinids this is a decided predator that hunts insects, crustaceans and smaller fishes, mainly in the upper water layers. The predatory carp is an important commercial fish. It is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Common skygazer?

The Common skygazer has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a plain pattern.

Where does the Common skygazer live?

The Common skygazer lives in brackish water and is mostly found around mixed bottom.

How big does the Common skygazer get?

The Common skygazer grows to a maximum of about 102 cm. On average the species is around 47 cm.

Is the Common skygazer dangerous to humans?

No, the Common skygazer is harmless to humans.

Is the Common skygazer edible?

Yes, the Common skygazer is commonly eaten.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Roodvin-roofkarper sourced
English name
Common skygazer verified
Scientific name
Chanodichthys erythropterus
Family
Cyprinidae
Other names
Predatory carp; Redfin culter; Skygazer verified

Appearance

Size class
Extra large verified
Max length (cm)
102.0 verified
Average length (cm)
47.0 verified
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like) sourced
Dominant colour
Silver / grey inferred
Pattern
Plain inferred
Tail shape
Forked inferred
Mouth position
Superior (upward) inferred
Lips
Thin inferred
Barbels
No sourced
Dorsal fins
One continuous inferred
Dorsal spines
No sourced

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Brackish sourced
Substrate
Mixed bottom sourced
Min depth (m)
3.0 verified
Max depth (m)
20.0 verified
Origin
Native sourced

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Carnivore sourced
Social behaviour
Small groups inferred
Territorial
No inferred
Activity
Diurnal inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes sourced
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred

For anglers

Edibility
Commonly eaten sourced
Fishing method
Bodemvissen met natuurlijk aas (worm, garnaal of vis) op of vlak boven de bodem. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless sourced

Status & sources

Sources
FishBase via GBIF (DwC-A), CC-BY-NC 4.0

Same genus Chanodichthys

More from the family Cyprinidae

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