Control of water weeds by grass carp in two small lakes

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Abstract
Chinese grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella Val.), 4–6 years old and weighing more than 2 kg, were incrementally stocked over a 3 year period at rates between 14 and 218 kg. ha‐1 in two small lakes. Preferential consumption of plants was recorded at low stocking densities; the aquatic species Potamogeton ochreatus and the emergent species Eleocharis sphacelata were the most palatable plants in the two lakes. Virtual elimination of Potamogeton ochreatus, Eleocharis sphacelata, Egeria densa, and Nitella hookeri occurred at higher stocking densities of grass carp. The relatively low stocking densities required for results in these trials compared with those used in earlier trials in flowing water suggest that grass carp may exert some indirect form of weed control. The difficulties inherent in attaining ‘optimum’ levels of aquatic plant control using grass carp are discussed.

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