Colorado Parks and Wildlife recently recovered 14 bighead carp from a local pond in Arvada, Colorado, thanks to a tip from a local fishing enthusiast. The fish, which are not native to Colorado, were found to negatively impact the ecosystem by feeding primarily on plankton and competing with native and sport fish species. CPW explained that bighead carp can grow to significant sizes and outcompete native species for food and resources. This discovery was deemed highly unusual by CPW officials, as bighead carp were introduced for a national study in 1992 and persisted even after they were removed in 1995.
The invasive species program manager, Robert Walters, stated that bighead carp were originally introduced in an attempt to reduce pond algae but have since proved to have a detrimental effect on the local wildlife. The fish have no natural predators in the area and an endless supply of food, allowing them to outcompete other species and negatively affect the overall aquatic health of the pond. CPW emphasized the importance of anglers reporting anything unusual they see while fishing to help prevent the spread of invasive species and protect native wildlife. In this case, the discovery of the bighead carp was made possible because an angler reported their presence in the pond.
The bighead carp removed from the pond in Arvada were all at least three feet long, with the heaviest weighing 46 pounds. CPW officials noted that the fish were exceptionally large, showcasing the growth potential of bighead carp in both small and large bodies of water. Despite efforts to remove them in 1995, the species persisted and continued to pose a threat to native Colorado species. The discovery of the bighead carp sparked jokes about the movie “Jaws” on social media, but CPW expressed gratitude to the angler who alerted them to the presence of the invasive fish.
CPW urged the public to notify them about any invasive species they may come across in their neighborhoods to help protect local ecosystems. The agency emphasized the importance of early detection and removal of invasive species to prevent further harm to native wildlife. Without natural predators in the area, invasive species like bighead carp can quickly multiply and outcompete native species for resources. Anglers were advised to report any unusual sightings while fishing to CPW to help maintain the balance of the ecosystem and prevent the spread of harmful species like bighead carp. The successful removal of the bighead carp from the pond in Arvada was credited to the collaboration between a concerned angler and CPW officials.
