Iowa DNR
BioNet
River & Stream Biological Monitoring
Fish and Benthic Macroinvertebrate Surveys
Physical Habitat Assessments

Bighead Carp Hypophthalmichthys nobilis

Family
Xenocyprididae (Sharpbellies)
Tolerance
Tolerant
Trophic Class
Omnivore
Is Exotic to Iowa?
True
Is Lithophilous Spawner?
False
Is Hybrid?
False
State Listing Status
Not Listed
Assessment Program Statistics

This species was found at 2 bioassessment sites, 0 rapid fish bioassessment sites, 0 fisheries assessment sites, and 0 fisheries presence-only assessment sites. In total, it was collected at 2 distinct sites, or 0.1% of the 1513 total sites monitored by the bioassessment program. It is the 121st most commonly collected species.

The Bighead Carp was collected in 2 bioassessment sampling sessions and 0 fisheries assessment sessions. It was present in 0 rapid bioassessment sessions and 0 presence-only sessions.

The biological assessment program has collected a total of 3 individual Bighead Carp specimens, ranking it the #133 most collected fish.

Species Characteristics

Large, heavy-bodied fish that can grow to about 60 inches and 110 pounds. The back and upper sides of the body are dark gray fading to off-white on the lower sides and belly. There are many dark irregularly-shaped blotches scattered over the whole body. The scales are very small, like trout scales. Bighead Carp have very large heads with eyes located far forward and projecting downward. The large mouths have a protruding lower jaw and no teeth.

Species Distribution Maps

HUC12 watersheds where this species has been found