The “other” invasive carp, Black Carp – Mylopharyngodon piceus

Online Presentation by fish biologist Patrick Kroboth, U.S. Geological Survey Columbia Environmental Research Center

Patrick Kroboth, fish biologist with the U.S. Geological Survey, shared the latest in invasive black carp research, studying the species status in the wild, life history, behavior, and potential impacts.

Published: February 9, 2021

Click here to watch presentation on YouTube

Black Carp
Allen Rost, from Morrison, MO and owner of Rost Fish Co., was the first commercial fisherman to report a black carp from the Missouri River. The darker fish in the center is the black carp. The other fish are grass carp. photo courtesy of Allen Rost.

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In the past couple of decades, we’ve watched as several invasive carp species have exploded throughout our midwestern rivers. Biologists have their eyes on the next carp invasion which is the black carp (Mylopharyngodon piceus).

While the silver and bighead carp feed on plankton, the base of the aquatic food chain, the black carp feeds on mussels, clams and snails. These fish have remarkable molars designed to crush hard shells. This could be particularly damaging to the ecosystems of Missouri River tributaries like the Osage and Gasconade that are rich in native mussel species.

Patrick Kroboth, fish biologist with the U.S. Geological Survey, shared the latest in black carp research, studying the species status in the wild, life history, behavior, and potential impacts.

black carp
A black carp engulfing a clam. Photo courtesy of USGS


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