In concentrated numbers, the leaping Asian carp pose significant danger to boaters navigating the open rivers. But from a purely ecological standpoint, the non-native carp feed primarily on plankton and bacteria, collapsing the food chain. (Credit: CBS)
JOLIET (WBBM) — A picture of a giant Asian Carp in the arms of a Joliet fisherman shows why biologists see the fish as a big problem.
Because it turns out that this particular fish, labeled a “monster” in a photo in a Joliet newspaper, is actually moderate in size for the invasive species, Newsradio 780′s John Cody reports.
Verdis Tyler estimates the bighead carp he pulled from the Kankakee River weighs 50 pounds and stretches three feet, nine inches long.
LISTEN: Newsradio 780′s John Cody Reports
The picture of Tyler and the giant carp graced the front page of the Joliet Herald after he pulled it from the Kankakee near Channahon, south of Joliet.
But fisheries biologist Greg Sass says that’s actually a moderate size fish.
Sass, with the Illinois Natural History survey, says bighead carp have been recorded up to 90 pounds.
Bighead carp are so agile some biologists have armed themselves with garbage can lids as shields against the giant fish which have injured skiers and boaters by jumping high out of the water when disturbed.
Sass says the fact that the fish was pulled from the Kankakee river near Joliet does not indicate whether they are or are not getting any closer to Lake Michigan.
