Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) recently adopted the common name “invasive carps” – formerly “Asian carps” – for a group of four non-indigenous carp species (Bighead Carp, Black Carp, Grass Carp, and Silver Carp). These four species are native to Russia and Asia, and were brought to the United States in the 1960s and 1970s for use in aquaculture ponds but have since invaded open waterways and expanded their range northward towards the Great Lakes. They are not considered established in Canadian waters. This change in terminology is the result of a few factors, including the reclassification of these four species from the Cyprinidae family into the new Xenocyprididae family and guidance received from the Council of Great Lakes Fisheries Agencies to harmonize terminology used by other Canadian and U.S. agencies conducting aquatic invasive species work.
How many invasive carps did DFO catch at surveillance sites last week?
Number of invasive carps caught:
You can see more details about Grass Carp captures here.
Spotted a Grass Carp?
Report any sightings to the Invading Species Hotline or to EDDMapS. View our information sheet.
Identifying invasive carp can be a difficult process due to the number of native look-a-likes. The first step in identifying invasive Carp is ruling out any common look-a-likes.
The potential introduction of invasive carps within the Great Lakes pose a serious threat to commercial fishing, recreation, and the total economic value of the Great Lakes.
The invasive carp Webinar Series collaborates with industry experts to discuss emerging topics.
Invasive Carp Canada has provided responses to the most frequently asked questions at events and online.
Upcoming Events
Grass Carp Information Session | February 10th, 2026 | 6:00-9:00 PM
Sarnia Yacht Club
What's New
Check back here for new important content or information regarding invasive carp.
Identifying invasive carp can be a difficult process due to the number of native look-a-likes. The first step in identifying invasive carp is ruling out any common look-a-likes.
The invasive carp Webinar Series collaborates with industry experts to discuss emerging topics.
The potential introduction of invasive carps within the Great Lakes pose a serious threat to commercial fishing, recreation, and the total economic value of the Great Lakes.
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