What are triploid grass carp?
Grass carp are plant-eaters, consuming 30 to 100% of their body weight daily in vegetation. They can grow to 65 to 80 pounds, gaining 3 to 10 pounds per season based on available vegetation. Triploid grass carp have three sets of chromosomes instead of the usual two (diploid), achieved through heat or pressure in the egg stage. This makes them functionally sterile, ensuring they won’t reproduce.
How many triploid grass carp do I need and what size should they be?
To address vegetation issues, stock 3 – 7 grass carp per acre, with 7 per acre recommended by TPWD for most cases. Avoid excessive stocking. Ensure grass carp are at least 8″ long, and if big bass are present, they should be 11″ or longer.
How can I acquire triploid grass carp?
The private pond owner must take the following steps to secure triploid grass carp:
- Apply for the Permit. You may call Texas Parks & Wildlife at (512) 389-4444 for the application, or you may follow the link below to go to the Triploid Grass Carp Permit page.
Triploid Grass Carp Permit (External Link) - Pay TP&W an application fee of $16 plus $2 per fish for each fish you intend to purchase for your pond and send in with the application. DON’T FORGET TO SEND PAYMENT WITH APPLICATION.
- Contact a licensed Texas fish farmer who has a permit to sell the triploid grass carp, once you have secured your permit to purchase triploid grass carp. Danbury Fish Farms is a licensed seller of triploid grass carp in the state of Texas.
NOTE: If you order 30 or more grass carp, you must have the fish delivered. If you order 30 or less grass carp, you can pick these fish up from the licensed fish farmer. You cannot receive any fish without your permit. Your permit # MUST BE on the fish farm invoice.
