Distribution and Status of the Bighead Carp and Silver Carp in Arkansas

Abstract

Bighead carp (Aristichthys nobilis) and/or the silver carp (Hypophthalmichthys molitrix) are being utilized at six hatcheries and have been purposely stocked at four research sites in Arkansas. Reports of silver carp in Arkansas' public waters in January 1980 prompted this investigation. Commercial fishermen reported catching 166 silver carp at seven different sites, but they did not report catching any bighead carp. An intensive sampling effort on the Arkansas River by Arkansas Game and Fish Commission personnel was unsuccessful in procuring additional specimens.