Water parameters
Minimum tank: 500 L per individual at harvest size.
Feed and growth
- Feed protein
- 28% target
- Daily feed (warm)
- 1.60% of body weight
- Daily feed (cool)
- 0.50% of body weight
- Max density
- 50 g per litre
A 2000 g adult eats about 32.0 g of feed per day at optimum. 10 fish at adult size: ~320 g daily.
Legality
Rules vary by jurisdiction and change over time. Verify with your local fisheries or wildlife authority before stocking.
| Jurisdiction | Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| California | prohibited | verified 2026-05-13 |
| Oregon | prohibited | verified 2026-05-13 |
| New South Wales | prohibited | verified 2026-05-13 |
| Queensland | prohibited | verified 2026-05-13 |
Unlisted jurisdictions default to "check local regulations".
Origin and habitat
A hybrid between crucian carp (Carassius carassius) and goldfish (Carassius auratus), produced intentionally in Chinese and Eastern European aquaculture to combine the cold tolerance and disease resistance of crucian carp with the faster growth of goldfish. Both parent species are native to Eurasia. The hybrid occurs naturally where the parent species' ranges overlap but is also produced deliberately in hatcheries. Adults reach 0.5–1.5 kg in culture, with a deep body shape and variable coloring (typically olive to bronze, occasionally with gold patches). The hybrid is fertile, which is unusual for fish hybrids, and can reproduce in culture ponds. Used as a food fish in China and parts of Eastern Europe, where it fills a market niche between common carp and crucian carp. Not widely known or used outside these regions.
Climate and outdoor ponds
- Climate
- temperate (handles seasonal swings)
- USDA zones
- 3–11 (winter low around -40°C or warmer)
- Heating needed
- no
- Cooling needed
- no
Care notes
A niche aquaculture species primarily relevant in China and Eastern European markets. The hybrid combines the cold tolerance of crucian carp (surviving near-freezing water and low oxygen) with moderately faster growth than pure crucian carp. Temperature range: 2–32°C, with growth at temperatures as low as 8–10°C, making it viable in climates too cold for tilapia or even common carp. Growth: 300–800 g in 12-18 months on commercial carp pellet (28-32% protein). FCR is approximately 1.8-2.5. Stocking density: 15-30 g/L. The hybrid tolerates poor water quality (low oxygen, high turbidity, wide pH range) similar to both parent species. For aquaponics, the hybrid is most relevant in cold-climate regions where other food fish are unavailable or too sensitive. The main limitation is market acceptance: in Western countries, the fish is unknown and unmarketable. In Chinese and Eastern European markets, it sells readily. Fingerlings are available from specialized hatcheries in China and Eastern Europe. Regulatory status is generally unproblematic; neither parent species is typically restricted in their native range. Not recommended for regions where either parent species would be considered invasive.