Invasive Carps
The term “invasive carps” includes four species: Bighead, Silver, Grass and Black carp. Bighead carp and Silver carp are the most commonly found and considered one of the greatest threats to the Great Lakes. There are currently no established populations of Invasive carps in Canadian waters of the Great Lakes.
Invasive carps have been invading North America's waterways since they came over from Asia in the 1960s and 70s. They prefer cool to moderate water temperatures, like those found near the shores of the Great Lakes. They consume large amounts of plankton (Silver Carp and Bighead Carp), vegetation (Grass Carp), and native clams (Black Carp), which creates food competition with native fish populations.
Bighead Carp
Latin name: Hypophthalmichthys nobilis
Origin: Eastern China and far eastern Russia
Life span: 16+ years
Size: Maximum 40 kg in weight, 1.5 m in length
Physical identifiers:
- Deep-bodied fish with a large head and toothless mouth
- Eyes that sit below the mouth.
- Dark grey in colour with dark mottling
Black Carp
Latin name: Mylopharyngodon piceus
Origin: Eastern Asia
Life span: 15 years
Size: Maximum 90 kg in weight, 1.8 m in length
Physical identifiers:
- Large, brown to black scales with dark edges that appear crosshatched
- Eyes sit even with the mouth
- Elongated, laterally compressed body and have a pointed head with flattened anterior portion
- Small toothless mouth
- Closely resemble Grass Carp
Grass Carp
Latin name: Ctenopharyngodon idella
Origin: Eastern Asia
Life span: 5 - 11 years
Size: Maximum 45 kg in weight, 1.5 m in length
Physical identifiers:
- Large scales that appear crosshatched
- Colour is blackish to olive-brown with brassy or silvery-white on the sides and belly
- Eyes that sit even with the mouth
- Oblong-shaped body with a slightly flattened head and short dorsal fin
Silver Carp
Origin: Eastern Asia
Life span: 15 - 20 years
Size: Maximum of 40 kg in weight, 1.2 m in length
Physical identifiers:
- Deep-bodied with a moderately large, broad head and has a small dorsal fin
- Eyes that sit below its mouth
- Colouring is shiny, light silver with a white belly
