Grass Carp

Grass Carp have the unique ability to eat a wide variety of submerged aquatic plants making them a sought after species for overgrown ponds and lakes. To prevent them from overpopulating, the fish that we offer are sterile (otherwise known as triploid grass carp). Because they are not native, stocking is allowed in Connecticut, Pennsylvania, Virginia, New Jersey, Delaware, and New York by permit only. Permits can be obtained by visiting the Permits page and printing the appropriate application for your area.

For a list and photographs of the plants that Grass Carp will eat, please visit the Grass Carp Preferred Plants document on the permits page of the website. Triploid Grass Carp will live for up to 10 years but, with age, their metabolism will slow making weed consumption minimal later in life. For this reason, restocking is recommended after 5 years or when plant growth begins increasing.

NOTE ON SHIPPING FISH: If you would like us to ship your fish directly to you, you must be within the following states: New York, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, Virginia, New Jersey, Delaware, Ohio, North Carolina, or West Virginia. Maryland does not permit the sale or introduction of Grass Carp into state waters. Fish will only ship during the available season. Shipping is calculated at checkout and only offered via UPS overnight.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many grass carp should I stock per acre?

We recommend up to 10 or more grass carp per acre, depending on how many your state permit allows. Our fish are sterile triploid grass carp, 10-12 inches, so they cannot reproduce and overpopulate your pond.

Do I need a permit to stock grass carp?

Yes - every state that allows grass carp requires a stocking permit, and Maryland does not permit them at all. Visit our Permits page for the application for your state; we are happy to help with the process.

Will grass carp really control my pond weeds?

Yes - grass carp eat a wide variety of submerged aquatic plants, making them a natural alternative to chemical treatments for overgrown ponds. They live up to 10 years, though weed consumption slows as they age. See the Preferred Plants list on our Permits page for what they eat.

How do I get my fish from Mid-Atlantic Stocking?

Three ways: free pickup at a scheduled delivery-route stop (routes run roughly monthly, April-October), UPS Next Day Air shipping every Wednesday (order by Tuesday 5 PM) to CT, DE, MD, NC, NJ, NY, OH, PA, VA & WV, or direct-to-pond delivery by quote. Fish are packaged with water and pure oxygen.

What if some fish do not survive the trip?

All our fish are certified disease-free, and we replace any mortality over 5% - in transit, or within 48 hours of introduction when the acclimation directions are followed. Document losses with photos and file a Mortality Report on our website.