Grass Carp

Grass carp, also known as white amur, are silvery-grey in color with slender bodies. They are regarded as an economical long-term aquatic plant control option. The grass carp is good at controlling many soft, submersed aquatic plants. However, they will have little to no effect on the firmer, emergent aquatic plants. Stock newly-built or renovated ponds with three to five grass carp per acre. Ponds with moderate to heavy aquatic plant problems will require ten or more grass carp per acre to have an effect, and it can take a couple years before their impact is noticeable. New ponds ca be stocked with 2 to 6 inch grass carp. However, only 8 to 12 inch grass carp should be stocked into ponds that have adult largemouth bass. Grass carp eat vegetation almost exclusively, but they will eat some fish feed if it is available. As grass carp get larger, they become less efficient at controlling aquatic plants. For this reason, they should be replaced with new grass carp every 5 to 7 years. Grass carp can be harvested by snagging, bow fishing, spearing or angling. Although somewhat boney, the grass carp is considered an excellent fish to eat.