Family: Cyprinidae, Carps and Minnows view all from this family

Description To 3'3" (99 cm); 100 lbs (45.4 kg). Robust, back olive-brown, sides silvery, belly whitish; upper scales outlined with dusky pigment giving crosshatched appearance. Snout short; head blunt, broad. Dorsal fin with 8-9 rays, origin over pelvic fin insertion; anal fin with 8-9 rays, origin nearer caudal fin base than dorsal fin origin; fins olive to dusky; caudal peduncle short, deep. Lateral line complete, 40-42 scales.

Habitat Rivers and large creeks, but adaptable to ponds and reservoirs.

Range Introduced into more than 35 states.

Discussion This carp, native to eastern Asia, was introduced into experimental ponds in Alabama and Arkansas in 1963 for aquatic weed control and as a food fish. It feeds primarily on vegetation, grows rapidly, and may eat more than its body weight daily; all are traits that could destroy fish and waterfowl habitats. Stocking of this species is prohibited in some states.