Introduced to Australia in 1872 (Ref. 6071). Introduced for ornamental/aquaculture. Reintroduced in 1960-64 (Ref. 47878). Widespread in New South Wales, South Australia, Victoria and Queensland. Although regarded as a pest by some, it forms the basis for fisheries and is thought by others to be a valuable addition to the aquatic fauna. Probably introduced to Australia in 1850s or 1860s. (Ref. 8929). The diet of this fish overlaps with that of several endemic fishes, such as bony bream Nematolosa erebi, catfish Tandanus tandanus, silver perch Bidyanus bidyanus, Australian smelt Retropinna semoni, carp gudgeon Hypseleotris klunzingeri and flat headed galaxias Galaxias rostratus (Ref. 12257). Reportedly introduced to Victoria in 1876 (Ref. 12559).
European carp have been declared noxious fish in most Australian States (Ref. 6390). Management is therefore directed towards eradication and restricting the spread of populations (Ref. 6390). Total eradication is impossible, but in an attempt to reduce the species' spread there are prohibitions on its use as live bait, its return to the water and its transfer between States (Ref. 6390).
Ref:
Morison, A. and D. Humes, 1989
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