What is a Triploid Grass Carp?
In 1983, US grass carp producers began production of a sterile (triploid) form of grass carp, mitigating the reproductive concerns associated with the diploid fish. Triploid grass carp are created through shocking grass carp eggs immediately after fertilization with either hot or cold water. This temperature shock results in the retention of an extra chromosome set, rendering the fish incapable of producing viable young. With the exception of this extra chromosome set, triploid grass carp are identical to their diploid counterparts. Triploid grass carp are the only form of grass carp legal in New York State.
