Distribution:
In rivers and lakes nationwide
Origin:
Asia
Characteristics:
Heavy-bodied fish with long dorsal fin, two barbels (each corner of
mouth) and a stout, saw-toothed spine at front of both dorsal and anal
fins
Impacts:
Increase turbidity, destroy vegetation, compete with other fish for
food, destroys aquatic habitat
Management:
Nothing is being done to control the population, it is managed as a
non-game fish species
Recent introductions of common carp have resulted because of the use
of juvenile carp as bait fish. The common carp is regarded as a pest
fish because of its widespread abundance and because of its tendency to
destroy vegetation and increase water turbidity by dislodging plants and
rooting around in the substrate, causing a deterioration of habitat for
species requiring vegetation and clean water. Available literature
indicates common carp may destroy aquatic macrophytes directly by uprooting
or consuming the plants, or indirectly by increasing turbidity and thereby
reducing light for photosynthesis.
