Fish

A threat to the Great Lakes!

Silver carp feed on plankton, a primary food for many native fish including walleye, yellow perch and lake whitefish.  They are voracious eaters, consuming up to 40% of their weight per day.

These fast-growing fish can reach up to 60 pounds, and each female can produce   up to one million eggs. 

Silver carp leap high out of the water when disturbed by boat motors. Boaters can be and have been injured by these leaping fish. Fear of injury could keep people away from recreational boating activities, which would have a negative impact on the $38 billion tourism economy in the state. See a video of silver carp jumping out of the water.

In the Great Lakes, silver carp would be likely to populate nearshore areas and large rivers, which could reduce sport and commercial fishing opportunities, threatening the $7 billion fishing industry in the Great Lakes.  

Habitat: These fish primarily inhabit large rivers. They are tolerate higher salinity levels and low oxygen levels.

Diet: Silver carp filter-feed on phytoplankton and zooplankton.

Native Range: Major Pacific drainages in eastern Asia

U.S. Distribution: Silver carp have been reported in 12 states surrounding the Mississippi and Ohio River basins.

                                                                               Potential Means of Introduction: Illinois River or flood connections with Great Lakes                                                                                waters. sourced from Michigan.gov