Grass Carp
Do you have a permit?
Before placing your order, make sure you have a permit
$23.95
| Name | Grass Carp- Triploid (Ctenopharyngodon idella) |
| Size | 10-12" |
| Availability | April-November |
| Stocking Rate | up to 10+/acre but will depend on how many your permit allows |
UPS Next Day Air® Fish shipments are sent out every Wednesday, weather permitting. Please note that the cutoff time each week is Tuesday at 5pm. Orders received after this deadline will be shipped the following week.
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.
Additional information
| Weight | 6.25 lbs |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 2 × 2 × 2 in |
Pond-Size Stocking Guide
Use the table below to estimate how many grass carp your pond may need. Stocking rates depend on how much vegetation is present — your state permit will specify the maximum number allowed.
| Pond Size | Light Vegetation (5/acre) | Moderate Vegetation (10/acre) | Heavy Vegetation (15/acre) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ¼ acre | 2 | 3 | 4 | Permit may limit quantity |
| ½ acre | 3 | 5 | 8 | Permit may limit quantity |
| 1 acre | 5 | 10 | 15 | Permit may limit quantity |
| 2 acres | 10 | 20 | 30 | Permit may limit quantity |
| 5 acres | 25 | 50 | 75 | Contact us for volume pricing |
| 10 acres | 50 | 100 | 150 | Contact us for volume pricing and delivery |
Your state permit will specify the maximum number of grass carp allowed. The numbers above are guidelines based on vegetation density — always defer to your permit limits.
When to Stock Grass Carp
- Grass carp can be added to ponds anytime during the April–November season.
- Spring stocking (April–May) gives grass carp the full growing season to start working on vegetation.
- Visible results typically appear within the first growing season, with significant weed reduction by year two.
- Grass carp metabolism slows with age — plan to restock after about 5 years or when vegetation begins increasing again.
- They are compatible with bass, bluegill, catfish, and other common pond species — no special sequencing needed.
State Permit Requirements
A valid state permit is required before purchasing grass carp. Below is a state-by-state breakdown for the areas we serve. We are happy to help you navigate the permit process — contact us with any questions.
States Where We Deliver Grass Carp (Permit Required)
- Connecticut — Permit required. Application available on our Permits page.
- Delaware — Permit required. Policy document available on our Permits page.
- New Jersey — Permit required. Application available on our Permits page.
- New York — Permit required. Application available on our Permits page.
- North Carolina — Permit required. Apply through the NC Wildlife Resources Commission.
- Ohio — Permit required. Application available on our Permits page.
- Pennsylvania — Permit required. Application available on our Permits page.
- Virginia — Permit required. Application available on our Permits page.
- West Virginia — Permit required. Application available on our Permits page.
States Where Grass Carp Are Prohibited
Maryland — In accordance with Maryland’s laws, the introduction of grass carp into state waters is prohibited.
Important Notes
- All grass carp sold by Mid-Atlantic Stocking are certified triploid (sterile) — they cannot reproduce.
- Permits typically specify the maximum number of fish allowed based on your pond size and vegetation survey.
- We recommend applying for your permit well in advance of your planned stocking date.
- Visit our Permits page for downloadable applications and state-specific details.
