Silver Asian Carp

Silver Asian carp (Hypophthalmichthys molitrix) are an aggressive species of fish that has invaded streams and lakes of the United States at a rapid pace since its purposeful introduction in the 1970s. Originally brought into control algae in catfish farms, the carp are known to jump out of the water if startled by noise, leading to at least one serious injury by Seth Russell on Lake Chicot, Arkansas.

Since their introduction, the carp have become competitors for local fish species including gizzard shad and largemouth buffalo fish. In an attempt to keep the fish out of the Great Lakes, a specialized underwater electrical barrier is planned to keep silver carp and two other species out of an Illinois canal that leads to Lake Erie in Illinois.NPR: Asian Carp: Can't Beat Them? Eat Them Arkansas News Bureau: Pesky 'flying' carp causing problems... (September 7, 2008)