White Amur

The triploid (sterile) white amur is an exotic fish species that has been specifically authorized for use in Ohio while the Diploid (fertile) white amur remains illegal in Ohio. You can only purchase the triploid white amur from a dealer with a valid permit. This fish is also call a grass carp and is one of the largest members of the minnow family. They often reach weights in excess of 25 pounds. They are native to larger East Asian rivers with Pacific drainages, including their namesake, the Amur River on the Chinese -Siberian border. The white amur is related to both the common carp and goldfish. They have a soft dorsal and anal fin rays rather than the spiny rays of common carp or goldfish. The color varies from gray to golden brown or bronze on the back, shading to white on the belly. The triploid white amur are created by subjecting the fertilized eggs to high pressures or temperature shock , which result in the retention of an extra chromosome set rendering the fish incapable of producing viable young. Stocking rates for these fish need to be carefully assessed for each body of water. They have voracious appetites and overstocking can result in the removal of too much aquatic vegetation which other species depend on. 8-10"