Grass Carp

Carp

Grass carp are a large, exotic fish that is native to rivers of Russia and China. They are used in Pennsylvania to reduce or remove some unwanted plants from ponds. They have a preference for certain plants (pondweeds, naiads, elodea, coontail, and muskgrass) but they do not prefer to eat algae or floating plants like water lily.

Grass carp stocked in Pennsylvania ponds must by sterile (also called triploid). They must be purchased from an approved dealer to insure that they are sterile. A permit is also required to purchase and stock the fish.

Under ideal conditions, grass carp may grow to over 25 pounds. Care must be taken not to overstock the pond because they may strip the pond of all vegetation and muddy the water.

Steps to take before purchasing grass carp (click on one to get more information):

1. Identify the problem plant in your pond
2. Determine if the plant is preferred by grass carp
3. Obtain a permit to stock the fish - pdf
4. Purchase the fish from an approved hatchery
College of Agricultural Sciences | Forest Resources | Cooperative Extension