Can I eat Asian carp?
Asian carp of all types have white, firm, mild flesh, which is excellent table fare, but all Asian carp also have intramuscular bones in the filets that many people find undesirable. Asian carp feed low on the food web, are fast growing, are low in fat in the filets, and are not usually bottom feeders — all properties of fish that are lower in contaminants. Like any fish taken from inland waters, however, be aware of restrictions on consuming fish from any particular waterway. For instructions on how to deal with the bones in Asian carp filets, see Flying Fish, Great Dish.
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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
Asian Carp mouth showing gills.
Asian Carp mouth showing gills.
Silver Carp, Illinois River
Silver Carp, Illinois River
Asian carp captured on the Wabash River
Asian carp captured on the Wabash River
Bighead Carp
Bighead carp are a large and troublesome invasive species from Asia found in the great rivers of the central United States.
