In early May IFS was notified of numerous fish scales near the Lake Crescent boat ramp that resembled those from a carp.  Obviously this caused great concern as the last carp removed from this lake was in 2007 and there had been no signs since.

The scales were collected and underwent a DNA analysis which identified the scales were from a saltwater fish known as a purple wrasse (Notolabrus fucicola)!   This species of fish has large rounded scales very similar to a carp and when dried look almost identical.

How did they get to Lake Crescent?  It is likely that an angler has removed the bung of their boat on the boat ramp to drain off excess water and there were fish remnants left in the bottom from a previous trip.  This highlights how easily it is to transport biological material from one water body to another, as well as the ease of spreading pests and pathogens around the state. Please always ensure your boats and fishing equipment are thoroughly cleaned after each trip.