Black Carp

Body Type & Identification: The largest of the Asian invasive carp in the US — capable of exceeding 150 lbs. Dark gray to black coloring with large scales and a terminal mouth. Pharyngeal teeth adapted for crushing mollusks — poses a direct threat to native mussel and snail populations which include many federally threatened and endangered species. A filter feeder of hard-shelled invertebrates.

Preferred Water Temperature: 65°F–80°F. A warm-water Asian carp with a narrower US distribution than Bighead or Silver Carp — primarily found in the lower Mississippi drainage where it escaped from aquaculture facilities. A major conservation concern due to its predation on rare freshwater mussels.

Habitat: Lower Mississippi River system — escaped from aquaculture facilities. Expanding range slowly. A significant threat to the most biodiverse freshwater mussel fauna in the world (found in the southeastern US). Efforts to prevent further spread are ongoing.

Best Lures: Cannot be caught on traditional lures. Snagging and bowfishing where legal.

Best Baits: Mollusks are their natural food — fresh mussel meat on a large hook may attract them, though rarely specifically targeted. Report any sightings outside the known range to state wildlife agencies immediately.

Top 5 Destinations: Lower Mississippi River — not a sport fishing target. Report sightings to USFWS and state agencies to aid population monitoring.

The largest of the Asian invasive carp in the US — capable of exceeding 150 lbs. Dark gray to black coloring with large scales and a terminal mouth. Pharyngeal teeth adapted for crushing mollusks — poses a direct threat to native mussel and snail populations which include many federally threatened and endangered species. A filter feeder of hard-shelled invertebrates.

Lower Mississippi River system — escaped from aquaculture facilities. Expanding range slowly. A significant threat to the most biodiverse freshwater mussel fauna in the world (found in the southeastern US). Efforts to prevent further spread are ongoing.

65°F–80°F. A warm-water Asian carp with a narrower US distribution than Bighead or Silver Carp — primarily found in the lower Mississippi drainage where it escaped from aquaculture facilities. A major conservation concern due to its predation on rare freshwater mussels.

Best Lures: Cannot be caught on traditional lures. Snagging and bowfishing where legal. Best Baits: Mollusks are their natural food — fresh mussel meat on a large hook may attract them, though rarely specifically targeted. Report any sightings outside the known range to state wildlife agencies immediately.

Lower Mississippi River — not a sport fishing target. Report sightings to USFWS and state agencies to aid population monitoring.