Crucian carp
D-Karausche; GB-Crucian carp; DK-Karusse; PL-Karaś; LT-Karosas; LV-Karūsa; EST-Koger; RU-Золотой карась; FIN-Ruutana; S-Ruda
Characters
1) Long dorsal fin (basis about three times as long, as basis of anal fin).
2) Upper edge of dorsal fin curved outwards.
3) Often with dark spot on caudal peduncle.
●) Body very high; no barbels.
Often 15 to 30 cm, max. 70 cm length.
Similar species
Prussian carp - upper margin of dorsal fin straight or concave; never with dark spot on caudal peduncle.
Carp - four barbles; very long dorsal fin; much larger scales.
Bitterling - up to 6 cm length; longer anal fin (just a bit shorter than the dorsal fin), lateral line only on 5 to 6 scales (continuous in the crucian carp).
Biology
Very adaptive towards different water conditions, but prefers small, calm and shallow lakes or ponds with dense vegetation. Reaching sexual maturity with 2 years. One female can lay up to 300.000 eggs.Diet
They feed on small invertebrates and plants.Importance
Commercially used as food fish.Endangerment
Not endangered.Carassius carassius
