What kind of fish is this?

[El Cid]

During my certification dives at Vortex Springs, I saw a few of these monsters roaming around. Any idea what kind of fish this is? I looked last night and couldn't find anything that was a clearcut answer. Thanks.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/80939935@N00/480792166/

 

[Spratman]

The picture is not very clear. They have scales that look like carp, but the mouth looks like a salmon. Maybe they are Snakeheads and you barely made it out with your life!!

 

[Wkndbum]

During my certification dives at Vortex Springs, I saw a few of these monsters roaming around. Any idea what kind of fish this is? I looked last night and couldn't find anything that was a clearcut answer. Thanks.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/80939935@N00/480792166/

Kind of looks like Grass Carp.

http://wwwaux.cerc.cr.usgs.gov/MICRA/Asian Carp Key MICRA.pdf

 

[El Cid]

They were hanging around the shallows where the Coy were. Grass Carp might be right. Thanks guys.

 

[TwoBitTxn]

Yep, grass carp

 

[TwoBitTxn]

BTW, they are yummy. Gotta be big though or the bones are a PITA.

 

[Tom Smedley]

They are common grass carp. Put there to try and keep the weed growth down. If you look closely one of them is deformed. His body is bent in the shape of a wishbone.

 

[El Cid]

BTW, they are yummy. Gotta be big though or the bones are a PITA.

I'll keep that in mind. The hot dog stand wasn't open yet and I never thought of it!

 

[Ironcat]

ewwww... Carp taste like dirt. Wet smelly fish-infused dirt... but dirt nonetheless.

Grass carp are a pain to catch, strict vegetarians, so you have to pitch them corn for 3 days and then pait your hook with corn kernels or they'll just ignore you. I have heard some people catch them by tying grass in little bundle balls and threading it onto a hook.
But...I think in most of the places where they stock them for weed prevention, it is against the law to keep them.

 

[junior25]

ewwww... Carp taste like dirt. Wet smelly fish-infused dirt... but dirt nonetheless.

Grass carp are a pain to catch, strict vegetarians, so you have to pitch them corn for 3 days and then pait your hook with corn kernels or they'll just ignore you. I have heard some people catch them by tying grass in little bundle balls and threading it onto a hook.
But...I think in most of the places where they stock them for weed prevention, it is against the law to keep them.

It isn't that it is against the law, you just have to be familiar with the regulations on which tackle is legal in your state. Here is an instructional video on the best carp catching methods.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=adBm7U9-8OM