Status of Silver Carp (Hypophthalmichthys molitrix) and Bighead Carp (Hypophthalmichthys nobilis) in Southeastern Oklahoma

Silver carp (Hypophthalmichthys molitrix) and bighead carp (H. nobilis) are native to southeastern Asia and have been introduced throughout much of the central and southeastern United States. Prior to this study, incidental capture of individual bighead carp had been reported from the Neosho River and Grand Lake, and from the Red River; no silver carp had been reported from Oklahoma. However, in response to several reported sightings by anglers in the Kiamichi River during Spring of 2012, we conducted a survey for silver and bighead carp in the Kiamichi River and three other lentic systems in Choctaw and McCurtain counties in southeastern Oklahoma. We used electrofishing gear and gill nets to sample over 5 days during June, 2012. In so doing, we captured a total of 13 Hypophthalmichthys, including five silver carp and eight bighead carp, and we collected or detected them in three of the four water bodies sampled. Among the fish captured, we measured weight, length, and egg mass (of females), and removed pectoral spines to determine age, and report these summary statistics in this paper. Silver and bighead carp appear to be well established in southeastern Oklahoma, and it is likely that they are reproducing. © 2012 Oklahoma Academy of Science.