Asian carp of Etang Laborde, Haiti

Researchers from the University of Kansas are in Haiti studying the watersheds of Etang Lachaux, Douat, and Laborde, 3 lakes between Camp Perrin and Les Cayes on the southern peninsula.  We heard reports of a large fish called the bout lang that used to be found in Etang Lachaux.  The older residents remembered it from their childhood, and indicated it was about a meter long.  We weren't sure if it was just a tall fish tale until we saw it at Etang Laborde!  A fisherman had caught it and was standing with it by the road as we were leaving Laborde.  It was 78 cm long, and here are pictures.  Further investigation revealed that this is the introduced silver carp Hypophthalmichthys molitrix.  Residents said it was released in 1977.