Why is the Asian carp so populated?

Asian carp have rapidly proliferated in North American waters primarily due to their high reproductive rates and adaptability to various habitats. Introduced in the 1970s for aquaculture and waterway management, they escaped into the wild and found favorable conditions for growth. Their ability to consume a wide range of food, including plankton, competes with native fish species, further contributing to their dominance in ecosystems. Additionally, the lack of natural predators in their new environment has allowed their populations to flourish unchecked.