Description Grass carp (white amur) are members of the minnow family reported to attain weights in excess of  100   pounds and live up to 15 years. They bear little resemblance to the common carp, which occurs in many lakes and streams, except for the large scales evident on their sides. Grass carp are longer and more  slender  than  the common carp and have no barbels at the corner of their mouths as do the common carp.  Biology  Leafy,  rooted aquatic  plants, such as pondweed and coontail, are the preferred food of grass carp. Lacking these, they will consume floating duckweed, green algae and even cattails.  Although cultured  in Asia as a  source of food, the  grass carp is of primary interest in the USA to control aquatic vegetation, especially where it is desirable to avoid the use of chemical herbicides. To accommodate an  increasing demand for  grass carp, yet to avoid the  possibility of their becoming established in systems where they are not wanted, a sterile triploid form was developed. This triploid form differs from the  natural diploid form in  having an extra set of chromosomes in  each cell. Although this condition prevents them from reproducing, it does not effect their vitality. Thus, many states have legalized the sale  and use of triploid grass carp  for vegetation control, while prohibiting  the sale or use of the diploid grass carp. Distribution  Generally, grass carp  require large rivers for successful reproduction.  However, young and adult fish can thrive when stocked into other habitats having adequate food and water quality.  Although native  to China and the USSR,  grass carp have been introduced world wide into more than 50  countries. Of these it has become established in fewer than five, including the United States (in Louisiana and Arkansas).  Grass carp were first  introduced into the USA in 1963 by the US Fish and Wildlife Service. Today  grass carp have been stocked legally and illegally in most states east of the Rocky Mountains. Bowfishing Facts  Before getting into the joys of spearing a Grass Carp it should be mentioned that many States  PROHIBIT the slaying of these  creatures.  If you notice in the biology section it mentions that  most places that  stocked these carp did so to control vegetation.  These carp are most likely  sterile and cannot breed and   therefore cannot overrun the lake with their numbers.  In these cases the fish are  protected.  Some areas have breeding populations and in these areas shooting is  usually legal and encouraged.  So  please check your regulations before hunting the "White Amur".  If you decide to stalk  this prey you are certainly in for a thrill!  They  are  a tremendous fighting fish that can be found  commonly exceeding 30 pounds!  They can be hunted in the daylight by gliding along vegetation of lakes  and slow moving rivers.  Night fishing can also  produce some nice shots at this "fighting  carp"!  Be prepared for a battle when this fish is hit.  A float set up would even be recommended when going for  the bigger versions of the  species.  Use a stout bow of at least 40 pounds and a  sharp tipped arrow with wider blades to hold the softer flesh of this fish.  This carp is certainly worth chasing and will  provide you with  some excellent sport. [Home Page] [Links] [Species] [Tourneys] [Boat Rigs] [Photos] [Equipment] [Contact Us] [The Store]