Chinese Grass Carp: Plant Management in Florida Waters

Chinese grass carp are herbivorous fish that have been purposely introduced into many Florida lakes and ponds to control aquatic weed growth. For many, grass carp seem like a good solution for aquatic weeds: the fish are relatively inexpensive and they consume problem plants, especially hydrilla. However, there are many factors to take into account when considering grass carp as a biological control method for invasive aquatic plants. While they are an effective and affordable solution for many lakes, grass carp are not a panacea. Under certain circumstances, they can create their own set of problems.

Publisher - University of Florida, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (IFAS)

Subjects - Fish, Chinese Grass Carp, Ctenopharyngodon idella

http://plants.ifas.ufl.edu/manage/control-methods/biological-control/chinese-grass-carp

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Citation: Richard A, Moss A. 2011. Chinese Grass Carp: Plant Management in Florida Waters. Gainesville (FL): University of Florida, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (IFAS). http://plants.ifas.ufl.edu/manage/control-methods/biological-control/chinese-grass-carp