grass carp
Species Facts

Science Name: Ctenopharyngoden idella
Other Names: Grass carp, White amur
Description

Description: The grass carp got its name from its love of aquatic weeds. It has a thick, elongated body with a broad, blunt head and a prominent upper lip that is visible from above. Its scales are a rich golden brown and form a cross-hatching pattern.

History: The grass carp is native to East Asia and was the first of the four carp species to enter the U.S.. It was imported in 1963 by aquaculture farmers in Arkansas to help control aquatic plants and algae. The first escape occurred in the mid-1960s, and they have since spread to 45 states through accidental and intentional releases. Despite its strong flavor of algae, it is generally regarded as the most palatable of the Asian carp. Grass carp have been known to clean entire lakes of aquatic plants and then move on to organic remains and animal material.

Adult Size: Grass carp are usually stocked when they reach 8 to 12 inches. Adults can reach 50 pounds in Ohio.

Fishing Methods: Although not commonly captured by anglers, grass carp are occasionally caught on small pieces of vegetation or with worms.