Carp are freshwater fish, found on most continents worldwide, but most predominantly in Asia and Europe. We often see carp during the final days of the year. Their habitats include rivers, streams, ponds, and rice fields. Some common types of carp are white carp, colored carp, pink carp, humpback carp, and tall-body carp.

Join us as we explore the popular types of carp found in Vietnam.

1Ornamental Carp

White Carp

White Carp

White carp have a wholly white body, with relatively long and large fins and tails. This variety of carp is smaller than other types. White carp are typically kept as ornamental fish rather than eaten, and they can be quite expensive, selling for up to 200,000 VND each.

Long-tailed Carp

Dragon-scaled carp, also known as butterfly-tailed carp, dragon carp, or phoenix carp, is a Vietnamese breed often kept in ponds and aquariums. They are known for their graceful, flowing fins and tails, making them a popular choice for ornamental fish.

Long-tailed Carp

Golden Carp

Golden carp, scientifically known as Carassius auratus, are one of the earliest fish species to be kept as pets. They exhibit a variety of patterns on their bodies and are further categorized into multiple strains, each with unique markings.

Golden Carp

As a common ornamental fish, many wonder, “Can golden carp be eaten?” The answer is yes, but their meat is not as tasty as that of other carp varieties. Additionally, golden carp are considered sacred, as they are believed to carry the Kitchen God to heaven, so people refrain from consuming them.

Koi Carp

Koi carp, also known as Nishikigoi or brocade carp, are a domesticated breed of carp, selectively bred for use in outdoor ponds and aquariums, commonly kept in Japan and Vietnam. Koi carp are closely related to goldfish.

The Japanese believe that the patterns on Koi carp bring good luck.

Koi Carp

Koi carp are divided into two types: standard Koi and butterfly Koi.

  • Standard Koi: These Koi have a body shape similar to that of primitive carp. When viewed from above, you will see a beautiful blend of colors, making them ideal for ponds.
  • Butterfly Koi: Also known as long-finned carp, dragon carp, or dragon-fin carp, butterfly Koi have long fins and tails, creating a graceful appearance when swimming. They can be kept in both ponds and glass aquariums.

Additionally, there is a red carp variety, which is a crossbreed of short-bodied Koi, featuring red or reddish-gold coloration.

2Carp Used in Cuisine

Pink Carp

Pink carp are characterized by their pink fins and are typically found in rivers, especially during the wet season. They are quite large, weighing between 1 to 2 kilograms, with some individuals growing even bigger. This type of carp can be used to prepare various dishes, such as fried carp, pink carp congee with lotus seeds, or steamed pink carp.

Be sure to check out our buying guide to select the right type!

Lak Lake Carp

This carp variety is native to the Lak Lake region, and while they used to be abundant, they are now rare and in need of conservation. Lak Lake carp have a silvery-white body, with a darker back, pinkish fin roots, and distinctive short whiskers. They can grow to a substantial size, weighing around 5 to 6 kilograms.

Glass Carp

Glass carp are yellowish-brown and unique in that they lack scales. They have a slightly rounded head, a bright yellow body, and protruding eyes. Glass carp are found in Ninh Binh and are known to inhabit deep caves, only venturing out during winter. Their meat is fragrant and flavorful, with a texture likened to pork.

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Crispy Carp

Did you know that crispy carp is a hybrid of native carp and Russian and Hungarian carp varieties? They have a pale color, a slender body, and are longer than common carp. When cooked, crispy carp meat becomes chewy, tasty, and, true to its name, crispy.

Delicious dishes made with crispy carp include crispy carp grilled with chili and salt, crispy carp stir-fried with lemongrass, crispy fried carp, crispy carp hot pot, crispy carp cooked with sour bamboo shoots, and crispy carp cooked with fermented rice. These dishes showcase the sweet, rich, and fatty flavor of the fish.

Crispy Carp

We have explored the popular types of carp found in Vietnam. Hopefully, this information will help you select the right carp for the upcoming Kitchen God Day ceremony.

Frequently asked questions

There are several varieties of carp in Vietnam, including the Asian carp, bighead carp, silver carp, and grass carp. Each of these carp varieties has distinct features and habitats.

The carp is native to Asia and Eastern Europe. Over time, they have been introduced to various countries and have adapted to different environments, leading to the formation of distinct varieties.

The Asian carp is typically grey or black in color with a long, slender body. Bighead carp are characterized by their large, scaleless heads and silver-grey bodies. Silver carp are known for their shiny, silver scales and ability to leap out of the water when disturbed. Grass carp have a streamlined body and a mouth adapted for feeding on aquatic plants.

Asian carp and bighead carp are often found in large rivers and reservoirs, while silver carp prefer open waters such as lakes and ponds. Grass carp are adaptable and can be found in a variety of freshwater habitats, including rivers, lakes, and canals. These carp varieties exhibit different behaviors, with some being bottom-dwellers and others preferring to feed at the surface or in midwater.

Yes, some of these carp varieties have become invasive in certain regions. For example, silver carp and bighead carp have been known to escape from fish farms and compete with native fish species for food and habitat.

Carp is culturally significant in Vietnam and is considered a symbol of good luck and prosperity. They are often used in ceremonial practices and are believed to bring good fortune and abundance.

Carp is a popular food fish in Vietnam and is prepared in a variety of ways, including steaming, grilling, and frying. They are used in traditional dishes such as ‘Canh Chua Ca Carp’, a sour soup, and ‘Cha Ca’, a dish originating from Hanoi.
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