Grass Carp
Grass carp are a robust, thick-bodied fish with a large eye and a blunt head ending in a terminal mouth which lacks barbels. The eye is typically low in the head, almost in line with the tip of the mouth. They possess large cycloid dark scales, which give a cross-hatched appearance.
About This Species
Adults can weigh up to 70 pounds.
More Information:
Range
The grass carp, or white amur, is native to southeastern Russia and northwestern China and was brought to Arkansas in the 1960’s to control aquatic plants in reservoirs and aquaculture farms. Hybrid grass carp, which are a cross with bighead carp, are thought to be sterile. The hybrid was never as efficient at weed control as the grass carp. Once ways of sterilizing grass carp were developed in the 1980’s, production of hybrid grass carp in North America ceased. Grass carp are widely stocked in Colorado. However, all grass carp stocked on the West Slope or in the Rio Grande drainage must be certified triploid (sterile).
Status: Present in Colorado, Colorado ANS Watch List
Action: Contact Colorado Parks and Wildlife
Habitat
Found in quiet waters, such as lakes, ponds, pools, and backwaters of large rivers. Tolerant of low levels of salinity; may occasionally enter brackish-water.