Where are crucian carp produced? An introduction to the main producing areas
Crucian carp is commonly known as jiguazi, yuejizai, tuji, xitou, fuyu, hanfu and so on. It is a common freshwater fish in Eurasia and belongs to the bottom-dwelling fish group. Its producing areas are mostly located in the Yellow River basin and the Yangtze River basin, and the crucian carp of Erhai Lake is relatively famous. It is now distributed throughout the world.
The geographic distribution of crucian carp
The native range of crucian carp covers rivers, lakes, ponds and other water bodies in China except the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, and it has now been introduced to freshwater waters around the world.
The growth conditions of crucian carp
Crucian carp is a widely distributed and highly adaptable fish, with strong adaptability to various ecological environments. From the subarctic to the tropics, regardless of water depth, flowing or still water, clear or turbid water, and low-oxygen, acidic or alkaline environments, it can adapt.
Crucian carp generally prefers to inhabit shallow river bays, lake inlets and ponds with dense aquatic plants and slow-flowing water. It is not demanding in terms of water temperature, food, water quality conditions or spawning ground conditions, and can grow and reproduce in poor environments that other farmed fish cannot tolerate.
Crucian carp is a eurythermal fish. It can ingest and digest food at water temperatures of around 10°C up to around 32°C, and can live for a long time in water with low oxygen content. Only when the oxygen content is as low as 0.1 mg/L does it begin to die. It can also grow and reproduce in strongly alkaline water (PH=9).
The variety classification of crucian carp
1. High-back crucian carp: The high-back crucian carp is a dominant population developed in the mid-1970s in Dianchi Lake in Yunnan and its water system. It is characterized by a large individual size, fast growth and strong reproductive capacity. It is named for its towering back ridge. The largest individual reaches 3000 grams. It has strong affinity for water and is not suitable for farming in inland areas.
2. Fangzheng silver crucian carp: Fangzheng silver crucian carp originated in Shuangfeng Reservoir in Fangzheng County, Heilongjiang Province, and is a relatively good silver crucian carp variety. The back of Fangzheng silver crucian carp is black-gray, and the sides and belly are deep silver-white. The largest individual weighs 1.5 kg, generally around 0.5-1 kg.
3. Pengze crucian carp: Pengze crucian carp is an excellent crucian carp variety bred by aquatic science and technology personnel in Jiangxi Province. Its meat is delicious, its meat yield is high and it is rich in nutrients. It has a plump body shape, is easy to transport, easy to keep temporarily, easy to hook, and is conducive to selling live fish. It is also a fish that can be developed for both production and recreational angling.
4. Qihe double-back crucian carp: Qihe double-back crucian carp is named because it is produced in the Qihe River, a mountain river flowing from east to west in Qi County, Hebi City, Henan Province. The Qihe River does not freeze all year round. In January and February, the water temperature is still above 10°C, and aquatic plants grow densely along both banks of the Qihe riverbed. The excellent ecological environment has created good conditions for the growth and reproduction of Qihe crucian carp. Qihe crucian carp meat is tender and delicious. According to ancient records, Qihe crucian carp, along with seedless dates and wrapped silk duck eggs, were the three local tribute products.
In addition to the several excellent crucian carp varieties with relatively high economic value mentioned above, there are also Longchi crucian carp from Luhe County, Jiangsu Province, and Hailar silver crucian carp from the Hailar area of Inner Mongolia, among others. Their common characteristics are large individual size, tender meat and delicious taste, and they are all deeply loved by local people.