Description
Appearance
The bighead carp is a large filter feeding fish that can weigh up to 110 pounds and grow to four and a half feet. They are dark gray with black blotches on the back and sides.Body shape and fins
The average bighead carp caught in Minnesota is 41 inches and 35 pounds. They have large, upturned mouths without barbels or teeth. Their eyes are low-set below the mouth. They have a short keel between the pelvic and anal fins.Biology
Bighead carp feed primarily on zooplankton and sometimes algae. They can also consume algae, detritus, and small invertebrates when plankton is unavailable. They become sexually mature between two and four years old. They spawn when water temperatures are between 62.5°F and 79°F, and require flowing water for reproduction.Origin and spread
Bighead carp are native to southern and central China. The species was imported from China to the United States during the early 1970s to help fish aquaculture operations and improve water quality in retention ponds/sewage lagoons. Large flood events allowed the species to escape into the Mississippi and Missouri rivers, where they reproduced and established wild populations. They continue to spread through flood events and through migration within connected river systems.Wild populations of bighead carp exist in the United States. No established populations are known in Minnesota, although individual fish have been caught in the Mississippi, St. Croix, and Minnesota rivers. There is no evidence of bighead carp reproduction in Minnesota waters. Refer to EDDMapS for current distribution.Don't be fooled by these look-alikes
- Silver carp (invasive)
- Bigmouth buffalo (native)
- Smallmouth buffalo (native)
- Gizzard shad (native)
- Mooneye (native)
- Emerald shiner (native)
Regulatory Classification
The bighead carp (Hypophthalmichthys nobilis) is a prohibited invasive species in Minnesota, which means it is unlawful (a misdemeanor) to possess, import, purchase, transport, or introduce this species except under a permit for disposal, control, research, or education.Threat to Minnesota Waters
Bighead carp cause recreational, economic and ecological damage—changing how residents and visitors use and enjoy Minnesota waters.Bighead carp impacts:- Compete with native mussels, larval fishes, and paddlefish for similar food sources (plankton).
What you should do
People spread bighead carp primarily through the improper use and disposal of live bait, as juveniles are difficult to distinguish from gizzard shad and other native baitfish. If introduced, they can spread on their own through connected waterways.Whether or not a lake is listed as infested, Minnesota law requires water recreationists to:
- Clean watercraft of all aquatic plants and prohibited invasive species.
- Drain all water by removing drain plugs and keeping them out during transport.
- Dispose of unwanted bait in the trash.
- Dry docks, lifts, swim rafts and other equipment for at least 21 days before placing equipment into another water body.
- Call 651-587-2781
- Email: [email protected]