Nonnative: Bighead Carp

Bighead Carp - Hypothalmichthys nobilis

Description: One of the "Chinese" carp.  Its eye is below the midline of the head, small scales, and a very large head, with a mottled gray appearance overall.  The ventral keel only goes from the anus to the pelvic fin insertion.  Gill rakers are not fused, rather they are long and comb-like.  The dorsal in is distinctly behind the pelvic fin insertion.

Species: Hypophthalmichthys nobilis, previously Aristichthys nobilis

Range: Originally from China.

Habitat: Primarily a riverine species

Spawning Habits: Similar to striped bass and other Chinese carps (see grass carp)

Feeding Habits: A zooplankton filter feeder which feeds near the surface gulping water and passing it over its gill rakers.

Age and Growth:

Potential Concerns: Is established in the Missouri  River due to aquaculture farm flooding.  They are effective consumers of zooplankton throughout their lives, which could put them in competition with many young native fishes.

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