Invasive carp

What do invasive carp look like? Each of the 3 species has unique characteristics. A brief description follows:

bigheadCarp

Photo by: Matthew R. Thomas

Bighead Carp

  • Bighead carp have a scaleless head; body scales are very small.
  • Have irregular black-gray blotches on the side of its body.
  • Have low-set eyes and a large upturned mouth.
  • Adults may be more than 60lbs in weight and 4ft. in length.

 
silverCarp

Photo by: Matthew R. Thomas

Silver Carp

  • Silver Carp have a scaleless head; body scales are very small.
  • Have low-set eyes and a large upturned mouth.
  • Adults may be more than 60lbs in weight and 4ft. in length.
  • silver carp may jump out of the water when disturbed by boat motors.
blackCarp

Photo by: Matthew R. Thomas

Black Carp

  • Black carp have large scales, with a slender grey-brown body
  • Narrow head and pointed snout that slightly overhands the mouth
  • Looks similar to grass carp - they differ from grass carp by having
    a darker body and fin color