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Grass carp
Ctenopharyngodon idella
Identification
A long, torpedo-shaped body with large, dark-edged scales and a broad, blunt head — often stocked specifically for aquatic weed control.
Where It's Found
Lakes and ponds nationwide where it's been introduced (often under permit) to manage vegetation; also established in parts of the Mississippi River basin.
Least Concern (IUCN 3.1)
Fishing Notes
Primarily herbivorous and difficult to target intentionally, though anglers do catch them on bread, corn, or vegetation-imitating baits fished near weed beds.
Scientific Classification▾
Family
Xenocyprididae
Genus
Ctenopharyngodonsteindachner
Order
Cypriniformes
Class
Actinopterygii
Phylum
Chordata
Kingdom
Animalia
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Photography sourced from Wikimedia Commons contributors.