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Aquatic Invasive Species - Fish

Report aquatic invasive species

DNR is seeking sighting information for invasive species in Indiana. If you believe you have spotted an invasive species, report it and, if possible, get pictures to assist in expert identification.

Prohibited Invasive Fish

  • The Exotic Fish Rule (312 IAC 9-6-7) designates 13 species or families of invasive fish as prohibited species. This rule makes it illegal to import, possess, propagate, buy, sell, barter, trade, transfer, loan, or release into public or private waters any of the following fish. An individual who takes possession of a fish listed below is not in violation if the fish is killed immediately upon capture. A number of these species or families are federally regulated as well.
Common name Scientific name Information
Bighead Carp** Hypophthalmichthys nobilis Species Profile
Black Carp** Mylopharyngodon piceus Species Profile, Black carp in Indiana
Round Goby Neogobius melanostomus Species Profile
Rudd Scardinius erythrophthalmus Species Profile
Ruffe Gymnocephalus cernuus Species Profile
Silver Carp** Hypophthalmic molitrix Species Profile
Snakehead** Family Channidae Species Profile
Stone Moroko** Pseudorasbora parva  
Tubenose Goby Proterorhinus marmoratus Species Profile
Walking Catfish** Family Clariidae Species Profile
Wels Catfish** Silurus glanis  
White Perch Morone americana Species Profile
Zander** Sander lucioperca Species Profile

** Indicates fish that are federal injurious species (https://www.fws.gov/injuriouswildlife/pdf_files/Current_Listed_IW.pdf)

Other Regulated Invasive Fish or Species of Concern

Common Name Scientific name Information
Alewife Alosa pseudoharengus 312 IAC 9-6-8, Species Profile
Common Carp Cyprinus carpio 312 IAC 9-6-8, Species Profile
Grass Carp Ctenopharyngodon idella 312 IAC 9-10-17, Species Profile
Sea Lamprey Petromyzon marinus Species Profile