Cyprinus carpio

Eurasian Carp

Thecommon carp(Cyprinus carpio) is a species of freshwaterray-finned fish.It is also known as theEurasian carpor justcarp.It is found in lakes and rivers inEuropeandAsia.

Since it is a destructiveinvasive species,it is part of thelist of the world's 100 worst invasive species.The type subspecies isCyprinus carpio carpio,found in theDanubeandVolga River.

Description

Appearance

The Eurasian carp has a robust body with a dark gold sheen. It has big, shiny scales on its body. It has largepectoral finsand a taperingdorsal fin.The longest-lived common carp was 64 years old and the biggest recorded carp weighed 45.59 kg. When they're given sufficient space and nutrients, these fishes can grow to a very large size.

Its food

Since they areomnivorous,they will devour aquatic plants and seeds,insects,crustaceans,mollusks,benthic worms, fisheggs,and leftovers.

Home

Common carp live infreshwaterenvironments, preferably large bodies of slowwater.

Sketch

Introduction

United States

In 1831, Eurasian carp were introduced into theUnited States.These fish are not usually eaten anymore because they arepests.

They are attempting to reduce the common carp's population by 75% inUtahto save theJune suckerfrom extinction.

As food

Common carp is eaten inCentral Europeas part ofChristmas Eve.In theUnited States,it's not usually eaten because shoppers usually like fillets.

Gallery

A dead common carp

References

1. Taylor, J., R. Mahon. 1977. "Hybridization ofCyprinus carpioandCarassius auratus,the first two exotic species in the lower Laurentian Great Lakes. "Environmental Biology Of Fishes.1(2):205-208.

Other websites

• Cyprinus carpio.FishBase.