The bacterial diversity in saline-alkali ponds rearing common carp was investigated using the 16S rRNA gene clone library technique. Phylogenetic analysis of the most common and dominant sequences recovered indicated that these sequences fell into the following major lineages, including Proteobacteria (α-, β-, γ-), Actinobacteria, Cyanobacteria, Planctomycetes, Fibrobacteres, Bacteroidetes, Chloroflexi, and unclassified bacteria. Sequence analysis showed that the bacterial diversity was abundant, and the sequences belonging to β-Proteobacteria, α-Proteobacteria and Actinobacteria were predominant. The most sequences in the saline-alkali rearing ponds exhibited low similarity with known bacterial 16S rRNA genes, suggesting that these sequences may represent novel bacteria. In addition, the majority of our sequences were most closely affiliated with sequences retrieved from inland waters of China. These results suggest that the saline-alkali ponds rearing common carp are specific ecologic niches and the distribution of the bacteria may be influenced by geographical factors. This study reports the bacterial diversity in saline-alkali ponds rearing common carp by the culture-independent technique for the first time; therefore, it provides important information for understanding the microbial ecology in saline-alkali rearing ponds and managing the microbial community composition to promote and maintain the health of aquaculture environments.