There are four types
of Asian carp that are
established in the
United States. They
are the common carp,
grass carp, bighead
carp and silver carp.
Bighead and silver carp have escaped from
aquaculture facilities and they are spreading fast.
These fish are large filter-feeders that pose a
significant risk to the Great Lakes. They consume
an enormous amount of food, grow to sizes up to
100 pounds and are seen as a possible threat to
the current fishery of the Great Lakes. These 2
types of Asian carp have escaped into the Illinois
river and they are breeding at an incredible rate of
production while moving closer to Lake Michigan. It
is possible that they can become a dominant
species in the Great Lakes which would change the
entire ecosystem of the lakes. Here are some links
to more information about Asian carp.
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