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:
publications.gc.ca/pub?id=9.562403&sl=0

• MARC XML format
• MARC HTML format

Request alternate formats