Black Carp
| Scientific Name | (Mylopharyngodon piceus) |
|---|---|
| Classification and Permitting Level | 1 - Prohibited Aquatic Nuisance Species |
| Species Description | Black carp is a large-bodied (up to 80 inches and 155 pounds) invasive fish with large scales, a pointed snout, and throat teeth that resemble human molars. It is very similar in appearance to the invasive grass carp. |
| Preferred Habitat | It can be found in low elevation rivers, lakes, or streams but needs large rivers to reproduce. |
| Reason for ANS Designation | This fish may harm native mussel and snail populations by feeding on them. Once established, there is no good control method. |
| Place of Origin | Black carp is native to eastern Asia but was introduced to the United States in 1973 for aquaculture use. Aside from swimming upstream, misidentification as grass carp are thought to contribute to new introductions of this species. |
| Stopping the Spread | Do not attempt to stock a new species into a waterbody. Besides usually being illegal, new introductions of fish species may disrupt the current ecosystem. |
| Additional Information | USGS Fact Sheet USGS Species Information |