Ns. Sidorkewicj et al., INTERACTION OF COMMON CARP WITH AQUATIC WEEDS IN ARGENTINE DRAINAGE CHANNELS, Journal of aquatic plant management, 36, 1998, pp. 5-10
Two different densities (1000 and 2000 fish ha(-1); average weight 20
g) of common carp, Cyprinus carpio L., were stocked into an Argentine
drainage channel, following mechanical removal of die vegetation. In a
second experiment lar ger fish (average weight 260 g) were stocked at
500 and 1000 fish ha(-1). In this experiment vegetation was not remov
ed prior to stocking. Common carp significantly reduced growth of the
dominant submersed weeds present (Chara contraria A. Braun ex Kutz; Ru
ppia maritima L.) in both experiments, as compared with the untreated
controls. Three months after the introduction of the smaller fish the
reduction of plant biomass ranged from 40 to 86% of control plots. Lar
ger fish completely destroyed all submersed weed growth within 4 month
s. The common carp stocking elevated water turbidity by up to 10 times
that of control plots, by stirring up of sediments during their feedi
ng activities. Direct herbivory was also observed.