Movement of common carp, Cyprinus carpio, in a regulated lowland Australian river: implications for management

Abstract

Abstract Introduced common carp, Cyprinus carpio L., is the most abundant large fish in the Murray‐Darling Basin and past studies have considered it non‐migratory. Movement information is, however, important for targeting control efforts to appropriate habitats and spatial scales. Movement patterns of common carp in the Murray River were investigated between November 1999 and August 2001. In total, 3337 common carp were boat electric fished and externally tagged. Of the 293 (8.8%) fish recaptured, up to 1898 days later, the majority (80%) moved <5 km. However, over 7% of the tagged population moved ≥100 km, and the maximum distance was 890 km. Intermediate‐sized males moved the greatest distances, usually downstream. Conversely, females and larger males remained close to floodplain spawning areas. For improved management, there is a need to recognise different movement strategies within common carp populations.