Prussian Carp (Highly Invasive)

The Prussian carp, silver Prussian carp or Gibel carp (Carassius gibelio) is a member of the family Cyprinidae, which includes many other fish, such as the common carp, goldfish, and the smaller minnows. It is a medium-sized cyprinid, and does not exceed a weight of 3 kilograms (6.6 lb) and a length of 45 centimetres (18 in). They are usually silver, although other color variations exist. They are omnivorous and feed on plankton, invertebrates, plant material and detritus. Originally from Siberia or central Europe,^[2] they have been introduced to and are now inhabiting lakes, ponds, and slow-moving rivers throughout Europe, North America, and Asia.

Prussian carps are a highly invasive fish species in areas outside their native range. They reproduce and spread rapidly.

Birds exhibit strong preference for fish eggs, while cyprinids produce hundreds of thousands of eggs at a single spawning event. These data indicate that despite the low proportion of eggs surviving the digestive tract of birds, endozoochory might provide a potentially overlooked dispersal mechanism of Prussian carps. If proven under natural circumstances, endozoochorous dispersal of invasive fish could be a strong conservation concern for freshwater biodiversity.

Prussian carp are capable of gynogenesis, meaning sperm is required to fertilize their eggs, but the male gamete does not contribute any DNA to the embryo. Females lay eggs and then "steal" sperm from related species.^[8] In other words, they are able to reproduce from unfertilized egg.

It is unknown how this fish species was introduced to Alberta but it is suspected it was through a “goldfish” release. Alberta was the first jurisdiction in North America found to have Prussian carp, which has since spread to Saskatchewan through shared waterways.

Place of origin and introduction to Alberta

Prussian carp (Carassius gibelio) is an introduced fish known to disrupt aquatic ecosystems and pose potential threats to native fish.

Prussian carp is native to central Europe and Asia. It is unknown how this fish species was introduced to Alberta but it is suspected it was through a “goldfish” release. Alberta was the first jurisdiction in North America found to have Prussian carp, which has since spread to Saskatchewan through shared waterways.

Within Alberta, distribution of Prussian carp continues to spread due to natural dispersal and illegal introductions. Prussian carp have been confirmed within the following river watersheds:

• Bow
• North Saskatchewan
• Oldman
• Red Deer
• Rosebud
• South Saskatchewan

Some isolated stocked ponds are reported to have Prussian carp, which indicates the illegal movement of these invasive fish.

• Plump and deep-bodied
• Terminal mouth
• Silver-gold in colour with dark shading at top
• Large scales, 29 to 33 along lateral line
• First dorsal fin ray and first anal fin ray are strongly serrated

Prussian carp can be confused with other fish species present in Alberta.

https://www.alberta.ca/prussian-carp