Biological synopsis of grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella) / by Becky Cudmore and Nicholas E. Mandrak. : Fs97-4/2705E-PDF

Grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella) has the potential to cause great ecologicalharm in Canadian waters. Fisheries and Oceans Canada is conducting a qualitative andquantitative risk analysis to determine the ecological risk that this species poses inCanada. To undertake the risk analysis, it was necessary to develop a biological synopsisfor the species. This synopsis summarized information on the species’ description,distribution, biology and natural history, use by humans and impacts. Grass carp is alarge member of the carp and minnow family (Cyprinidae) and is native to southeasternRussia and northwestern China. This herbivorous species has been deliberatelyintroduced into many countries for vegetation control purposes. In the United States,escapes from aquaculture facilities have led to the establishment of grass carp in thewild. In Canada, grass carp escaped from an aquaculture facility in Alberta and wereintentionally released for vegetation control in Saskatchewan. Only a few individualshave been found in the Great Lakes, presumably bought from the live fish food marketsand released. As a result of altering habitat and competing with other herbivorousspecies, grass carp can impact water quality, aquatic flora and fauna, and wildlife species.

Permanent link to this Catalogue record:
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Publication information
Department/Agency Canada. Department of Fisheries and Oceans, issuing body.
Great Lakes Laboratory for Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences, issuing body.
Title Biological synopsis of grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella) / by Becky Cudmore and Nicholas E. Mandrak.
Series title Canadian manuscript report of fisheries and aquatic sciences, 1488-5387 ; 2705
Publication type Series - View Master Record
Language [English]
Later edition Updated (2003–2015) biological synopsis of grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella)
Format Electronic
Electronic document
Other formats Paper-[English]
Note(s) "November 2004."
Includes bibliographic references.
Issued also in printed form.
Publishing information Burlington, Ontario : Fisheries and Oceans Canada, 2004.
Author / Contributor Cudmore, Becky C., 1972- author.
Description 52 p.maps, graphs, tables, photographs.
Catalogue number
  • Fs97-4/2705E-PDF
Subject terms Freshwater fish
Marine biology
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