ABSTRACT
Herbivorous fishes are among the most abundant fishes even though they comprise a minor proportion of the total number of fish species. Fishes, according to their food habits, are classified as herbivores, omnivores, and carnivores. Despite the vast amount of information available pertaining to herbivorous fishes, it is difficult to define clearly and concisely which species should be included in the herbivorous fishes group. Herbivores, particularly in the family Cyprinidae, Cichlidae, Mugilidae, and Chanidae are important world aquaculture species. Marine herbivores are not as important as aquaculture species, but some of the pelagic clupeids, which feed on planktonic algae, are important economically. In addition to reproduction, the culture of larval Chinese carp, production of finger-lings for open waters, and culture of food fishes are also discussed. Special attention has been given to the use of grass carp for aquatic weed management and to the side effects of their stocking on indigenous fishes and aquatic ecosystems.
