We report collections of the bighead carp, Hypophthalmichthys nobilis
(Richardson, 1845) in the Mississippi River in Missouri and Illinois b
etween 1991 and 1994. In all, we collected 48 specimens ranging from 1
8 to 790 mm total length. Young-of-the-year fish were caught in 1992 a
nd 1994, which suggests that the species is able to reproduce in the M
ississippi River and may become established. Because H. nobilis is a l
ow level filter feeder, its presence may affect other filter feeding f
ishes such as the paddlefish (Polyodon spathula), bigmouth buffalo (Ic
tiobus cyprinellus), and gizzard shad (Dorosoma cepedianum). Further r
esearch is needed to confirm that the species is established and what
its biological impact will be.