Are Asian carp dangerous?
Silver carp (a variety of Asian carp) are easily disturbed and will jump as much as 10 feet into the air in response to rocks thrown in the water, passing trains, geese taking off from the water, or just when they unexpectedly find themselves in a tight place. They also jump at the sound of outboard motors, often landing in boats and sometimes striking the passengers. With a boat speed of over 20 mph and fish that can weigh over 20 pounds, this can be disastrous. Jumping fish have seriously injured many boaters and damaged boats. Water skiing on the Missouri River is now exceedingly dangerous because most of the fish jump behind the boat.
Learn More: Invasive Species Program - Asian Carp
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Jumping Silver Carp
Flying Silver Carp
Asian Carp mouth showing gills.
Asian Carp mouth showing gills.
A Silver Carp tagged with an acoustic transmitter
A Silver Carp tagged with an acoustic transmitter (black tag located on the fish’s back) to monitor movement in the field. Fish were monitored in response to the recording of a boat motor
UMESC Scientist showing Silver Carp on left and Bighead Carp on right
UMESC Scientist showing Silver Carp on left and Bighead Carp on right
Bighead Carp
Bighead carp are a large and troublesome invasive species from Asia found in the great rivers of the central United States.
High-jumping Silver Carp
Silver carp are a large a troublesome invasive species from Asia found in the great rivers of the central United States. Silver carp have been observed to jump in response to rocks thrown in the water, passing trains, geese taking off from the water, or just when they unexpectedly find themselves in a tight place. However, a speeding boat seems to especially frighten them
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