Abundant in many Minnesota lakes and rivers, the common carp is an exotic, and generally considered to be an undesirable species. A large member of the minnow family, the carp is native to Asia and has spread across Europe where it is esteemed as both a food source and a sport fish. Carp were first imported to the United States in 1831, and in 1879 carp fingerlings were distributed to 38 states and territories. Since it is both highly prolific and tolerant of pollution as well as a variety of aquatic environments, the carp has spread across North America. It is not only a nuisance, but threatens native species by both competing for food and increasing the turbidity (muddiness) of the waters it inhabits (Mississippi National River And Recreation Area, 1998).

Though considered a "rough fish" by Minnesota anglers, the carp is gaining popularity in other parts of the US and is a much-sought-after species in Europe, particularly in the UK where carp fishing is practically a science. Some British anglers even travel to the US in search of "trophy" carp! They can't understand why we'd prefer catching a two-pound walleye to a 20-pound carp. In case you're interested, the Minnesota record carp weighed 55 pounds, 5 ounces and was caught in Clearwater Lake ( Minnesota DNR, 2003). If you want to learn about carp fishing, see Carp Fishing Tactics, Fishing for Carp, Carp Net, and Carpfishing.com. Though I can't imagine eating these ugly critters, carp recipes abound. So, for your culinary pleasure, take a look at Carp Recipes, The Cook's Corner, Bean Curd with Carp, Yellow River Carp, and Let's Eat! But please don't invite me over for dinner!

Unlike the carp, the other three species included in this question (highfin carpsucker, smallmouth buffalo, and longnose sucker) are all native to Minnesota. However, none is of significant importance to anglers.