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Asian carps

Be on the look-out when boating or fishing* or when walking along a water body.

1. PHOTOGRAPH THE FISH

To facilitate the identification of the specimen:• photograph the entire specimen in profile and add a

visual reference point to indicate its size.

• take close-up shots of:

◦ the unfurled dorsal fin ◦ the scales ◦ the mouth from three angles, i.e. in profile, from

above and from below.

2. PROMPTLY CONTACT THE MINISTÈRE DES FORÊTS, DE LA FAUNE ET DES PARCS

Telephone: 1-877-346-6763Email: services.clientele@mffp.gouv.qc.ca

* Because of their feeding habits (filter feeders or herbivorous), Asian carp are unlikely to rise to a hook.

asiancarps.gouv.qc.ca

What should you do if you think you have seen an Asian carp?

Common carp Cyprinus carpio

FallfishSemotilus corpolaris

Copper redhorseMoxostoma hubbsi

Big scales

BarbelsNo visible barbels

Long dorsal fin covering two-thirds of the back

Dark triangular or crescent-shaped spots at the base of each scale

Short dorsal fin

Colouring: Yellowish belly with orange-red lower fins

Size: 50 cm to 60 cm. Can reach 1 m and weigh nearly 40 kg.

Established in Québec for nearly 100 years, this species that originated in Asia is not part of the Asian carp group.

Colouring: Silvery with bluish to coppery hues

Size: Usually 10 cm to 20 cm in length and can exceed 30 cm.

Common native species in the St. Lawrence River Basin.

Colouring: Head, back and sides range from coppery to olive-greenish. The pelvic and anal fins can be orangey or reddish.

Size: Roughly 50 cm, up to 70 cm.

This species is found only in Québec and is designated

“threatened” pursuant to Québec’s Act respecting threatened or vulnerable species.

KEY CHARACTERISTICS

BE ON THE

LOOK-OUT FOR

Barbel-free mouth with fleshy, furrowed lips

Triangular head

Back highly arched behind the head

Short dorsal fin

Big scales

BE ON THE

LOOK-OUT FOR

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KEY CHARACTERISTICS

Black carpMylopharyngodon piceus

Bighead carp Hypophthalmichthys nobilis

Silver carpHypophthalmichthys molitrix

Grass carpCtenopharyngodon idella

Colours may vary depending on the season and the habitat. Illustrations of carps and fallfish: ©Joseph R. Tomelleri. Photos of the copper redhorse: ©Nathalie Vachon, MFFP (entire specimen), ©Huguette Massé, MFFP (mouth)

Big scales

Eyes at the level of the mouth

Big meshed scales

Pointed snout

Barbel-free mouth

Barbel-free mouth

Barbel-free mouth

Barbel-free mouth

Eyes lie below the median line of the body

Eyes lie below the median line of the body

Small scales

Small scales

Rounded, long fin with a short base

Short dorsal fin base

Short dorsal fin base

Rounded dorsal fin with a short base

Colouring: Olive brown back, a slightly golden shine on the sides and a white belly

Size: 50 cm to 90 cm. Can reach 1.3 m and weigh nearly 50 kg.

Since 2017, the presence of this herbivorous fish has been confirmed in the St. Lawrence River and certain tributaries.

Colouring: Silver body, olive to black on the back and head

Size: 40 cm to 70 cm. Can reach 1.2 m and weigh nearly 40 kg.

It is known for its powerful leaps out of the water. The colonization front is a few kilometres from the Great Lakes.

Colouring: Grey body with dark green blotches

Size: 40 cm to 70 cm. Can reach 1.4 m and weigh nearly 40 kg.

The colonization front is a few kilometres from the Great Lakes. Like the silver carp, it filters water to feed on plankton.

Colouring: Dark body with golden blackish-grey fins

Size: 60 cm to 120 cm. Can exceed 2 m and weigh more than 80 kg.

It feeds on mussels, snails, crustaceans and other bottom-dwelling species in watercourses.

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