White Amur Small

Ctenopharyngodon idella, sold commercially as White Amur, is an impressive large cyprinid from East Asia used professionally and by pond keepers for biological aquatic vegetation management. Triploid (sterile) specimens are the preferred form for ornamental ponds as they cannot reproduce. Their streamlined, silver-scaled body and active grazing behaviour make them engaging long-term pond residents that can reach considerable size over decades.

Requires a minimum 5,000 L dedicated pond with good filtration to handle the waste load of a large herbivore. Feed on naturally occurring aquatic vegetation; supplement with blanched lettuce, spinach, and grass clippings. Temperature 4–28°C; fully cold-hardy for Belgian/Dutch outdoor ponds. Grows rapidly — plan for eventual size of up to 130 cm. Ensure secure pond edges as this species can leap. Do not release into natural waterways.