Bighead Carp Species Breakdown

Q: Are bighead carp invasive species?

Bighead carp are an invasive species. They are native to east Asia, and were introduced to the US to control plant growth in aquaculture ponds. After being imported they quickly spread the country and can now be found in most parts of the US.

Scientific Name: Hypophthalmichthys nobilis

Bighead carp are members of the minnow family. They are large filter feeding fish that can weigh more than 80 lbs.

How to Identify a Bighead Carp

Bighead carp are thick-bodied with a wide scaleless head. Their eyes are forward and low on their body. They have a upturned mouth with no teeth or barbels.

Bigheads are dark gray up top and cream color on their lower half. They have irregular black spots on their back and sides.

Bighead Carp Size

Bighead carp can grow up to 80 lbs or 4′ + long. They are more commonly caught in the 2ft range, weighing 20-40 lbs. They grow quickly and can reach 40-50 lbs within 5 years.

Bighead Carp Size Chart – Length to Weight Conversion

Length	Weight
12″	11 lbs
15″	12 lbs
18″	13 lbs
20″	14 lbs
22″	15 lbs
24″	17 lbs
26″	20 lbs
28″	23 lbs
30″	27 lbs
32″	31 lbs
34″	35 lbs
36″	40 lbs
38″	45 lbs
40″	50 lbs

View World & State Bighead Carp Records

Where Bighead Carp Are Found

Bighead carp are native to east Asia and have been introduced to the United States in the 1973 to improve water quality in retention ponds/sewage lagoons. Due to flooding they have spread to the Mississippi and Missouri river systems.

Bighead carp prefer the standing water of rivers, canals and lakes. They can tolerate water temperatures from 43 to 82° Fahrenheit.

Lifespan of a Bighead Carp

Bighead carp can live up to 9 years old. They reach full maturity in 2 to 3 years. You can tell the general age of bighead carp by referring to the table below.

Bighead Carp Age Chart

Age	Length
1 Year Old	7 – 8 inches
2 Years Old	8 – 13 inches
3 Years Old	13 – 20 inches
4 Years Old	20 – 25 inches
5 Years Old	25 – 28 inches
6 Years Old	28 – 31 inches
7 Years Old	31 – 34 inches
8 Years Old	34 – 37 inches
9 Years Old	37 – 40 inches

Fishing for Bighead Carp

Are bighead carp hard to catch?

Fishing for bighead carp requires patients but they aren’t too hard to catch. They feed primarily on algae and zooplankton so you need to let your bait sit on the bottom while you wait. They won’t chase moving baits.

What size hook do you use for bighead carp?

The best hook to use for carp fishing is a 4/0 circle hook.

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What type of bait to use for bighead carp?

My favorite bait when fishing for bighead carp is canned corn. I put as many kernels that can fit on a 4/0 circle hook and let it sit on bottom until I feel a bite.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are bighead carp good to eat?

Bighead carp are better tasting than most would expect. Due to their vegetarian diet they have a light flavoring with a white tender texture.

Are bighead carp invasive species?

Bighead carp are an invasive species. They are native to east Asia, and were introduced to the US to control plant growth in aquaculture ponds. After being imported they quickly spread the country and can now be found in most parts of the US.

What do bighead carp eat?

Bighead carp eat algae, detritus, zooplankton, and small invertebrates.