Maximum age of bighead carp Hypophthalmichthys nobilis exceeds 30 years: Implications for anticipating invasive species establishment and impacts

Abstract

Invasive bighead carp Hypophthalmichthys nobilis have spread throughout the Mississippi River basin, negatively impacting ecosystems. We used a remnant population (32 years after stocking) to better understand H. nobilis . We observed high annual survival (>95%), but growth was relatively slow. Lapilli otolith sections were reliable aging structures but underestimated H. nobilis age by ~10%. Dorsal‐fin rays and postcleithra also showed some promise for age interpretation. This study provides information about exceptionally old H. nobilis , with unique survival, growth and habitat conditions that could further inform invasion models.

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