Carp

D-Karpfen; GB-Carp; DK-Karpe; PL-Karp; LT-Karpis; LV-Karpa; EST-Karpkala; RU-Сазан; FIN-Karppi; S-Karp

Characters

1) Two pairs of barbels present on upper jaw.
2) Very long dorsal fin (basis of dorsal fin about 4 times as long as basis of anal fin; dorsal fin with 20 to 28 rays).
Often 30 to 70 cm, max. 110 cm length.

Similar species

Tench - very small scales; much smaller dorsal fin; caudal fin only slightly emarginated

Crucian carp - barbels absent

Prussian carp - barbels absent

Biology

Lives in slow-flowing or standing, deep and warm waters. During day time often resting in deeper water layers, only becoming active during dusk and dawm. For natural reproduction they need flooding of terrestrial vegetation for some period of time, where they migrate to spawn.

Diet

They feed on small invertebrates which live in soft grounds.

Importance

Commercially very strong used as food fish. Ornamental varietis (= Kois) are popular pond fish partially of high value.

Endangerment

Wild populations are endangered due to cross breeding with ornamental forms, as well as loss of spawning areas because of water constructions. Strong decline and endangerment of wild populations.