Most anglers in Alabama are familiar with grass carp, also referred to as white amur, but few people realize that the grass carp is just one of several species of exotic Asian carps that have been introduced into the United States over the past few decades. 

Although a riverine fish in its native range, the grass carp has been introduced into private ponds in Alabama to control aquatic plants and filamentous algae.  These fish grow rapidly and specimens over 40 pounds are common.  Stocking rates in farm ponds range from 5 to 20 fish per acre depending on the type of plant and the severity of the infestation.  Control is usually maintained for several years with proper stocking.

Two other species of Asian carp are also present in Alabama.  These are the bighead carp and silver carp.  These carp look similar to a grass carp but have very small scales and a keel on their belly.  Originally stocked into aquaculture facilities in combinations with catfish to improve water quality and increase fish production, silver carp, bighead carp, and hybrids between the two, have escaped over the years to make their home in the State’s rivers and streams.  

Based on many reports from anglers and responses to a poster program, biologists for the Division of Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries identified several wild bighead carp captured by anglers from 1998 through 2000.  These fish were much larger than specimens reported from other river basins in the country, with several fish in excess of 60 pounds.