Midwest Fish & Wildlife Conference 2018

AUTHORS. Patrick M. Kocovsky, US Geological Survey; Duane C. Chapman, US Geological Survey; Song Qian, University of Toledo

ABSTRACT. Bighead Carp (Hypophthalmichthys nobilis), Black Carp (Mylopharyngodon piceus), Grass Carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella), and Silver Carp (H. molitrix) are considered invasive species in North America and Europe. In North America, they are typically referred to collectively as “Asian carp,” a reference to their native range. In this presentation, we review the long history of culture of these species in China, their human cultural significance, the origin of the category Asian carp, and the problems the term “Asian carp.” We discuss why the category “Asian carp” fails to acknowledge their ecological differences and how the term can cause confusion when translated back into Chinese. Specifically the translation would frequently confuse the term to Common Carp (Cyprinus carpio) because of the familiarity to the fish in China due to the fish’s historical and cultural significance. Such confusion frequently causes problems of communication with the public and occasionally among professionals when some species are intentionally or inadvertently in- or excluded when referred to collectively. We recommend discontinuing use of the term Asian Carp and using individual species names in most cases.