Carp Identification
Common carp
- Barbels on each side
- Dorsal fin forked at front
- Deep-bodied
Grass carp
- Scales appear to be cross-hatched
Bighead carp
- Large head with upturned mouth
- Eye far forward and turned downward
- Keel extends to base of pelvic fins
- Often has irregular splotches on body
- Non-native species: If using as bait, do not transfer to other waters
Silver carp
- Keel extends forward to base of pectoral fins
- No dark splotches
- Non-native species: If using as bait, do not transfer to other waters
Illustrations by Joseph R. Tomelleri. Used with permission.
