black carp

fish

Also known as: Mylopharyngodon piceus

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July 23, 2026

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Black carp are freshwater fish native to eastern Asia, characterized by their brownish-black color and bluish-gray bellies. They are often referred to as "Asian carp" in the U.S., a group that also includes bighead, grass, and silver carp. These fish were introduced to North America in the 1960s and 70s to control aquatic pests.12

However, black carp have become an invasive species in non-native waters. They can disrupt native aquatic ecosystems by consuming large quantities of food and competing with native species. Efforts are underway to prevent their spread, particularly into the Great Lakes.1342

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Asian carp
bighead carp (Hypophthalmichthys nobilis), black carp (Mylopharyngodon piceus), and silver carp (Hypophthalmichthys molitrix), following their accidental introduction into waterways in the United States, are collectively referred to as Asian carp.
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bighead carp (Hypophthalmichthys nobilis), black carp (Mylopharyngodon piceus), and silver carp (Hypophthalmichthys molitrix), following their accidental introduction into waterways in the United States, are collectively referred to as Asian carp.
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carp
Asian carp as invasive species
idella), bighead carp (Hypophthalmichthys nobilis), black carp (Mylopharyngodon piceus), and silver carp (Hypophthalmichthys molitrix)—were brought to North America during the 1960s and ’70s to control the growth of noxious aquatic plants, snails, and other pest organisms in ponds, fish farms, and small lakes. Floods and bait-release by sport fishers allowed…
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idella), bighead carp (Hypophthalmichthys nobilis), black carp (Mylopharyngodon piceus), and silver carp (Hypophthalmichthys molitrix)—were brought to North America during the 1960s and ’70s to control the growth of noxious aquatic plants, snails, and other pest organisms in ponds, fish farms, and small lakes. Floods and bait-release by sport fishers allowed…
Read More