Are grass carp good for a pond?

Controlling aquatic vegetation with grass carp is one of the options available to pond owners with aquatic plant problems. In many situations, the use of grass carp is an economical, long lasting, and effective option. However, grass carp are not appropriate for every pond with abundant aquatic plants.

Can grass carp survive winter?

These fish live about 10 years but can live much longer under the ideal conditions. During winter months the Grass Carp goes through a period of dormancy. When water temperatures stay about 65F-70F these fish feed intensely, but may be shy about feeding in areas of human activity like swimming areas or docks.

Can you have too many grass carp in a pond?

Too many grass carp can quickly lead to even more and difficult problems. They are also a lot of fun to watch and grow to look like silver torpedoes in the water. The Pond Boss Forum gets lots of questions about algae, weeds, and other desired and undesired growth in ponds.

How long do grass carp get?

48 inches long
Adult grass carp commonly weighs more than 20 pounds and can grow up to 48 inches long. The fish are primarily herbivorous.

How many catfish can you have in a 1 acre pond?

A typical pond stocking strategy for a warm-water pond would be 1,000-1,500 bluegills, 50-100 bass, and 50-200 catfish per acre.

How do you get rid of grass carp in a pond?

Use canned corn or use feed corn than has been soaked in water for three days. If possible, choose an inlet in the lake or pond that will restrict the movements of the fish. Grass carp are a Chinese minnow that can easily grow to 50 to 75 pounds in a large lake; some have been know to grow even larger.

Do grass carp have teeth?

The head of grass carp is broad with long serrated pharyngeal teeth specialized for eating aquatic vegetation. This whopper of a fish can grow up to 5 feet in length and can weigh an amazing 143 pounds. Pharyngeal teeth of black carp resemble human molars and are used to crush the shells of snails and mollusks.

Why do carp jump out of ponds?

Carp, as most fishes have a swim bladder. By leaping or swilling on the surface a carp can force air into its swim bladder through its oesophagus, thus allowing the fish to adjust its level in the water. It is often the case that carp can be seen jumping more often in deeper lakes and less in shallow waters.

Should you kill grass carp?

Grass carp are typically introduced into lakes and ponds as a control on unwanted aquatic weeds, which in some cases will choke a lake to death, literally. They are effective in some cases (not all) and less toxic than most chemical control methods.

How many grass carp per acre can you put in a pond?

In these situations, stocking grass carp at a high rate such as 10-15 fish per acre will often eradicate the vegetation and leave even higher nutrient loads, making the pond prone to dense algae blooms.

When to start grass carp stocking in Virginia?

Below are the recommended grass carp stocking rates for Virginia: 2 fish per acre for slight plant infestations (< 30% plant coverage of pond during the peak growing season-primarily August through September)

How long does it take for grass carp to grow?

When stocking grass carp for hydrilla, maintenance stockings for 10 years are often needed to control new plant growth from tubers and seeds that may lay dormant for years in the pond substrate.

Is it possible to get rid of carp in a pond?

Many pond owners have witnessed grass carp work wonders, taking choked-out ponds and cleaning them up, restoring beautiful waterways. Other times people experience little to no vegetative control. With grass carp it is often a great success story or complete failure.

In these situations, stocking grass carp at a high rate such as 10-15 fish per acre will often eradicate the vegetation and leave even higher nutrient loads, making the pond prone to dense algae blooms.

Below are the recommended grass carp stocking rates for Virginia: 2 fish per acre for slight plant infestations (< 30% plant coverage of pond during the peak growing season-primarily August through September)

How long does it take for carp to grow in a pond?

The carp will be most effective 2 to 5 years after stocking, when they are experiencing their fastest growth (sort of like teenagers). After 5 years in the pond, restocking at a reduced rate (usually 1⁄2 the original stocking rate) is often required to continue vegetation control.

Many pond owners have witnessed grass carp work wonders, taking choked-out ponds and cleaning them up, restoring beautiful waterways. Other times people experience little to no vegetative control. With grass carp it is often a great success story or complete failure.