bighead carp
noun
plural bighead carp also bighead carps
: a freshwater cyprinid fish (Hypophthalmichthys nobilis) of eastern Asia that has a large head and mouth, is dark gray with an off-white belly, and that has been introduced into non-native waters where it is often considered an invasive (see invasive entry 1 sense 1a) species
The bighead carp, which can grow to 100 pounds, have caused environmental havoc in rivers and lakes in the South and Midwest because they devour huge volumes of food.—Gene Schabath
Note: Bighead carp, along with the related black carp, grass carp, and silver carp, are often called Asian carp in the U.S.
Cite this Entry
“Bighead carp.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bighead%20carp. Accessed 1 Mar. 2025.
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