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Scientific Name
Hypophthalmichthys nobilis
Other Names
Bighead, Marbled carp, Speckled silver carp, Asian carp
Description
Bighead carp are a deep-bodied carp with the eye located low on the head near the angle of the jaw. The back and head are olive to dark gray, becoming silvery to yellow-white on the sides and abdomen. Their body is covered with numerous dark gray to black blotches. Bighead carp can reach lengths of over 4 feet and weigh in excess of 100 pounds. As adults, bighead carp are most often confused with silver carp.
Habits and Habitat
Bighead carp were originally stocked into aquaculture facilities in combination with catfish to improve water quality and increase fish production. Bighead carp have escaped over the years to make their home in most of Mississippi’s larger rivers and reservoirs. Bighead carp are primarily filter feeders, feeding on a diet that consists of phytoplankton, detritus, zooplankton, and insect larva.
State Record
The Mississippi Rod and Reel record of 67 pounds 12 ounces was caught in lower Sardis Lake by Ron Maxwell in 2007. The state trophy record, harvested with a bow and arrow, is 89 pounds 13 ounces, and was shot by Shane Turnage in 2011.
Fishing Fact
Bighead carp are occasionally caught while fishing for other species, particularly with commercial fishing nets. The environmental impacts of these fish are unknown, but they could adversely impact many native species of fish due to competition for food. The young of both bighead and silver carp look similar to gizzard and threadfin shad, so both bighead and silver carp could be spread through the release of live bait.