Emailed from Bob, posted by Admin:

Hi I was wondering if you could answer me a question i have a pond that's maybe a half acre I have stocked it with rainbow and brown trout I just caught a small carp out of it my question is what are the benefits of this fish to my pond or what kind of damage can he do to it. Any answer would be appreciated.

Bob

The U.S dept. of Ag says the carp are an invasive species that damages waterways and reduces populations of other fish.

All I know for sure is that they eat a lot of plants and gobble up basically whatever they can find. Does that include the eggs of your trout?

I find them to be better fishing than for trout. So what do you want in your pond?

Lakeman wrote:
The U.S dept. of Ag says the carp are an invasive species that damages waterways and reduces populations of other fish.

All I know for sure is that they eat a lot of plants and gobble up basically whatever they can find. Does that include the eggs of your trout?

I find them to be better fishing than for trout. So what do you want in your pond?

The U.S.D.A and the D.N.R. has never had any positive things to say about the presence of carp in U.S. waters, although they seem to live quite harmoniously with all types of fish in American waters...We all know of lakes and rivers that hold both monster carp and monster bass (or trout,catfish etc.) at the same time. So if they are so destructive to other species of fish, how do we suppose this can happen?

With the exception of Asian Carp,Which are truely a very invasive and destructive species, I believe, carp are not as big a threat as some might think.

As long as populations are kept under control, I would'nt expect to many negative reprocussions. Obviously any over population of any species is detrimental to their survival as well as other species of fish.

In such a small pond..1/2 acre, it would be fairly easy for any one species to dominate and over populate the water. I would consider removing a small percentage of the smaller fish and leaving the larger ones to breed, thus enhancing the survival and quality of the remaining fish.

I hope that everyone knows that I am by no means an expert which is why I am on this forum.

I spoke rashly in that I was speaking about Asian carp in my last post. That is the fish I have in my lake so that is what I tend to think about.

I cannot add any experience for any other type.

Lakeman wrote:
I hope that everyone knows that I am by no means an expert which is why I am on this forum.

I spoke rashly in that I was speaking about Asian carp in my last post. That is the fish I have in my lake so that is what I tend to think about.

I cannot add any experience for any other type.

No problem Lakeman...We value everyones opinion and view equally here.
I used your quote only for a reference, not to be negative or otherwise.
Dont ever feel like you cant ask a question or state your opinion!
Thats what the forums are for, and we are glad to have you here!

Carp can be very protective but then again so can all species,IF there are Grass carp these can be a problem because these feed on vegetation mainly and Trout will lay there eggs in such places along with other fish but over all i don't think they cause any harm and do live along side other species with no problems but they do need to be kept in check perticualy in such a small pool!