Maximum age of bighead carp Hypophthalmichthys nobilis exceeds 30 years: Implications for anticipating invasive species establishment and impacts

2025/08/14 by Jesse M. Lepak, Adam G. Hansen, Terra L. Martinez +4 · 1 voice
Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology · Environmental Science · #Environmental DNA in Biodiversity Studies #Fish Ecology and Management Studies #Identification and Quantification in Food

paper · pdf · doi:10.1111/jfb.70181

openalex publication_date 2025/08/14 · openalex created_date 2025/10/10 · openalex updated_date 2026/07/08

Abstract

Invasive bighead carp Hypophthalmichthys nobilis have spread throughout the Mississippi River basin, negatively impacting ecosystems. We used a remnant population (32 years after stocking) to better understand H. nobilis. We observed high annual survival (>95%), but growth was relatively slow. Lapilli otolith sections were reliable aging structures but underestimated H. nobilis age by ~10%. Dorsal-fin rays and postcleithra also showed some promise for age interpretation. This study provides information about exceptionally old H. nobilis, with unique survival, growth and habitat conditions that could further inform invasion models.

Citations

• Thermal and hydrologic suitability of Lake Erie and its major tributaries for spawning of Asian carps
• Is invasion history a useful tool for predicting the impacts of the world's worst aquatic invasive species?
• First direct confirmation of grass carp spawning in a Great Lakes tributary
• Status of the major aquaculture carps of China in the Laurentian Great Lakes Basin

Discussions

• #JFB: Maximum age of bighead carp Hypophthalmichthys nobilis exceeds 30 years: Implications for anticipating invasive species establishment and impacts doi.org/10.1111/jfb.70181 #FishSci [bsky, 1 points, 0 comments]

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