Amur black is the only species of the same genus belonging to the cyprinid family. In Russia, it is considered a rare species that is on the verge of extinction, but in China it is very widespread and is an object of valuable fishing.
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This is a fairly large fish, whose growth reaches 1 m, and weight can be 30-35 kg. Outwardly, it resembles a grass carp, although due to its color it is difficult to mix them up. After all, black cupid has a color corresponding to its name, and only a small part of the abdomen is very light. The fins are also dark in color. The elongated body is covered with large scales. The head is small. Pharyngeal teeth having a perfectly developed chewing surface are large and massive.
It grows relatively quickly. By the beginning of the second year of life, its growth may already be 10 cm or more, and after 7-9 years it becomes sexually mature, reaching a length of 70-80 cm.
Spread
Massively, it is common in the waters of China. In Russia, it can be found in the Amur River basin, namely from the mouth of the Sungari to the estuary, as well as in the Ussuri River.
In the 50s of the last century, this fish was brought to some rivers of Ukraine, the North Caucasus and the republics of Central Asia.
Habitat
As a rule, grass carp (photo of fish can be seen in the article) is a lover of fresh water, but sometimes it can be found in salt water. He prefers ducts with a leisurely flow of water, being close to places with a large accumulation of mollusks. After all, this is his main food. Thanks to powerful pharyngeal teeth, it easily crushes shells. Also, the fish loves to feast on the larvae of various insects that inhabit ponds and rivers. He does not refuse from aquatic plants, such as sedge and reeds, eating a fairly large amount of food per day (1.5 - 1.8 kg).
Cupid is a lover of a solitary lifestyle, therefore, flocks form extremely rarely. In the cold season, he moves to the riverbeds. By the way, here he spawns. Usually this process takes place in early summer, when the water is already warmed up enough by the sun. During spawning, the fish keeps almost at the bottom of the reservoir, rarely rising to the surface. Both larvae and caviar are pelagic, and fertility is up to 800 thousand eggs.
Fishing features
There are several ways to catch grass carp. This can be a plug or float rod, as well as bottom or feeder gear.
Best fish bite on a regular earthworm. Also used as bait are peas, sweet corn, young cucumbers, bread, pasta, cane or greens.
Aloe leaves, cucumber ovary, filamentous algae, carp bait or various dry mixes are great for bait . Good complementary foods are obtained from this mixture: ground peas, oilcake, dill and anise oil.
When choosing a tackle, it should be remembered that for this type of fish it needs to be very durable. The fishing line should be thick (at least 0.45 mm), monofilament as a leash. It can be combined with a shock absorber (elastic band). The hook should also be large and strong. It is chosen depending on the estimated size of the fish.
Despite the fact that meat of grass carp is considered more valuable, grass carp is not inferior to it in terms of taste and useful properties of meat. It is no coincidence that the fishing of this fish in China annually amounts to 30 thousand tons.
In a word, if you decide to go fishing, you will not only enjoy the process very much, but also become the owner of a very tasty and healthy fish.
Now in Russia this rare fish is listed in the Red Book. Studies show that in the near future it may disappear. That is why a program is being developed for its acclimatization in some reservoirs of Russia.