[Photo] The infamous flying carp. Silver Carp (Hypophthalmichthys molitrix). photo courtesy of Duane Chapman, USGS. http://www.cerc.usgs.gov/Branches.aspx?BranchId=40

Many species of heavy-bodied cyprinid fish are collectively known in the United States as Asian carp. Cyprinids from the subcontinent [for example, catla (Catla catla) and mrigal (Cirrhinus cirrhosus)] are not included in this classification, and are known collectively as "Indian carp".

Eight Asian carp have been substantially introduced outside of their native ranges:

- grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella)
- common carp (Cyprinus carpio)
- silver carp (Hypophthalmichthys molitrix)
- largescale silver carp (Hypophthalmichthys harmandi)
- bighead carp (Hypophthalmichthys nobilis)
- black carp (Mylopharyngodon piceus)
- common goldfish (Carassius auratus)
- crucian carp (Carassius carassius)
- mud carp (Cirrhinus molitorella)

All the above, except largescale silver carp, have been cultivated in aquaculture in China for over 1,000 years. Large-scale silver carp, a more southern species, is native to Vietnam and is cultivated there. Grass, silver, bighead and black carp are known as the "Four Domesticated Fish" in China and are the most important freshwater fish species for food and traditional Chinese medicine. Bighead and silver carp are the most important fish, worldwide, in terms of total aquaculture production. Common carp and crucian carp are also common foodfishes in China and elsewhere. Goldfish, on the other hand, are cultivated mainly as pet fish. Common carp are native to both Eastern Europe and Western Asia, so they are sometimes called a "Eurasian" carp.

more info at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Asian_carp

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