Asian carp
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There are several species of fish known as Asian carp. Five of these have been imported to the United States: grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella), common carp (Cyprinus carpio), silver carp (Hypophthalmichthys molotrix), bighead carp (H. nobilis) and black carp (Mylopharyngodon piceus). Some are becoming known as invasive species.
Common carp was brought to the U.S. in 1831, and has been widespread for a long time. Three varieties—grass carp, silver carp, and bighead carp—have escaped from aquaculture ponds that flooded since 1990. Black carp have not yet been detected outside of ponds where they are being bred. The most dramatic rise has been in the population of bighead carp.
Silver carp have become notorious for being easily frightened by boats and personal watercraft. The fish can jump 8–10 feet (2.5–3 m) into the air, and several people have been injured by them. They can grow to 40 pounds (18 kg) in mass. Bighead carp can grow even bigger.
References
- Todd M. Koel, Kevin S. Irons, and Eric Ratcliff (November 2000). Asian Carp Invasion of the Upper Mississippi River System. (http://www.umesc.usgs.gov/reports_publications/psrs/psr_2000_05.html) United States Geological Survey. Accessed May 26, 2004.
- Exotic Species: Asian Carp. (http://www.glfc.org/fishmgmt/carp.asp) Great Lakes Fishery Commission. Accessed May 26, 2004.