Triploid Grass Carp

Regulated by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FFWCC)   Call: 863-648-3203

These fish are often used to control vegetation in lakes and ponds.  The grass carp are 'triploid' because they have an extra set of chromosomes to keep them from reproducing.  They are not native to Florida, and if they were allowed to reproduce freely they would quickly take over our waters, gobbling up all the plants in sight.  The fish are very useful for removing unwanted aquatic vegetation (especially hydrilla).  Unfortunately, once the unwanted vegetation has been eaten, the fish will start eating good plants, and have been known to nip the grass off of lawns when they run out of other plants.  Since they live for 10-20 years, this can be very devastating to a waterbody.  Lakes and ponds need plants along the shoreline to provide food and habitat for fish and birds.  A lack of plants will tend to result in excessive algae growth, which can result in pea-soupy water and possibly fish kills.  Also, once the fish have been placed in the water, it is very hard to get them back out.  Visit our Lake Jackson Native Plant Restoration Pilot Project page for more locally relevant information. 

Triploid grass carp are produced on certified aquaculture farms by subjecting the eggs to very high pressures.  It is illegal to possess a grass carp without a permit - even if you catch one while fishing.  If caught, they must be immediately released.  The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission regulates the possession of grass carp.  (Click here for information regarding online permit application for grass carp).  Contact the  FFWCC office for more information: 863-648-3203. 

                                               
                                                Photo Courtesy of the FFWCC