White Amur

White Amur, or more commonly called Grass Carp are not a Carp at all, they are actually a member of the Minnow family. Grass Carp are stocked in ponds and lakes to control unwanted aquatic vegetation. They are a great alternative to chemical vegetation control. However, Grass Carp will not eat all aquatic vegetation such as Watershield and Floating Hart. They can eat three times their weight a day and grow very fast. Grass Carp will commonly achieve a weight of 30+ pounds in a farm pond. They do not compete for food with other fish and will coexist with most all other fish. They are usually effective for about seven to ten years. Older Grass Carp do not eat as vigorously as younger ones and will have to be replaced typically every eight to ten years. Grass Carp sold in Ohio are triploid and have an extra set of chromosomes, therefore cannot reproduce. It is unlawful to poses anything other than a triploid White Amur. When Grass Carp get old and are not productive they do not have to be removed from your pond. However, if you do remove them, consider this little known fact. Grass Carp have a white flaky meat that taste very good. Considering the size that they can achieve, one fish would provide for a nice fish fry.