Prussian carp (Carassius gibelio) are an invasive fish species found in several Alberta rivers, where they are rapidly spreading and negatively impacting native ecosystems. They are confirmed to inhabit the Bow, Oldman, Red Deer, Rosebud, and South Saskatchewan River watersheds[1][2][3][4][5]. There is no evidence of established populations in the Athabasca, Battle, Beaver, Milk, North Saskatchewan, or Peace Rivers[2][4].
Key facts about Prussian carp in Alberta rivers:
- First detected in Alberta (the first jurisdiction in North America with this species), Prussian carp have since expanded in range, partly via natural dispersal and partly through illegal introductions[1][6].
- Reproduction and resilience: Prussian carp are highly adaptable, able to thrive in poor water conditions (such as low oxygen) and reproduce both sexually and asexually, which accelerates their population growth[3][4][7].
- Ecological impacts: Research indicates that Prussian carp outcompete native fish, disrupt aquatic invertebrate communities, and can fundamentally alter the balance of river ecosystems[7]. Their presence makes recovery for native fish species difficult and can increase the risk of invasion by other non-native species[7].
- Eradication challenges: Once established, Prussian carp are extremely difficult to remove. Local efforts, including manual removal, have generally not been successful[4].
- Distribution and ongoing spread: Environmental DNA studies confirm their presence and expansion particularly throughout the Bow, Red Deer, Oldman, Rosebud, and South Saskatchewan rivers. They have not been detected in more northern or western Alberta rivers as of recent surveys[2][4][5].
Prussian carp are regulated as an invasive species in Alberta because of their strong disruptive potential and fast colonization ability[3][5]. Anglers and the public are urged not to move live fish between water bodies and to report sightings to authorities to help control their spread[1][6].
There is some minor disagreement on their presence in the North Saskatchewan River: some government sources list it as a watershed with Prussian carp, but recent eDNA surveys have not confirmed their establishment there[1][2][4]. Most recent comprehensive research supports the view that their core distribution is currently south and central within the province.
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- https://www.alberta.ca/prussian-carp
- https://www.ab-conservation.com/programs/fish/projects/distribution-of-prussian-carp-in-alberta/
- https://open.alberta.ca/dataset/0ea8cc1d-192b-43df-b90f-f128401a6a11/resource/174e5856-927a-443e-8f1a-6e4771893872/download/ais-quickfacts-prussiancarp-feb2018.pdf
- https://www.ab-conservation.com/downloads/report_series/Prussian_Carp_Final_Data_Report_15_April.pdf
- https://open.alberta.ca/dataset/a8ffee90-f68a-4742-abb4-7f89bfe0fb3d/resource/55abeba1-3264-4db8-9a84-c8a0fa2d2a3c/download/aep-prussian-carp-infographic-2021.pdf
- https://strathmoretimes.com/2020/stopping-invasive-carp/
- https://www.ualberta.ca/en/agriculture-life-environment-sciences/news/ales-news-stories-archive/2017/october/invasive-prussian-carp-damaging-alberta-rivers.html
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