Seven species of carp native to Asia have been introduced into the U.S. Two of these species, silver and bighead carp, are considered a pressing threat to the Great Lakes.
Characteristics-
Threats of Invasion-
One of the primary pathways is through the Chicago Canal that connects the Mississippi River system and Lake Michigan. Improper bait-bucket release is a potential risk because young bighead or silver carp are easily mistaken for shad or minnows and could be accidentally released by anglers. Flooding and intentional release of fish bought from live fish markets are other possible paths of introduction.
Characteristics-
- Weigh up to 60-110 pounds.
- Silver carps, like their name suggests, are light in color.
- Bighead carps are darker grey with dark blotches all over their bodies.
- Bighead and silver carps do not have barbells, like those of the common carp.
- Bighead carps consume up to 140% of their body weight when very young but eat far less as they become adults.
- Silver carps can leap out of the water when disturbed by boat motors.
Threats of Invasion-
One of the primary pathways is through the Chicago Canal that connects the Mississippi River system and Lake Michigan. Improper bait-bucket release is a potential risk because young bighead or silver carp are easily mistaken for shad or minnows and could be accidentally released by anglers. Flooding and intentional release of fish bought from live fish markets are other possible paths of introduction.