common carp

The common carp has an elongated and stocky body with thick lips. It has a protrusible mouth with four barbels. The dorsal fin has 17-22 branched and robust rays, while the anal fin has 6-7 soft rays. The lateral line is made up of 32 to 38 scales.

Wild carp are completely covered with large similar scales. The color of carp is brown to greenish on the back, transitioning to golden on the belly. The fins are gray-blue, often bordered with red hues.

Several domestic forms have emerged from it: the mirror carp with few scales except for large irregular ones under the dorsal fin and on the caudal fin, the leather carp, nearly scaleless and very dark, the koi carp, less elongated with a higher body and smaller head, ornamental, and available in 125 varieties originating from the Far East.

The common carp is a placid fish although very wary, spending its time searching for food. Experienced anglers are most likely to hook the finest specimens during the night (strictly catch and release of course). During the breeding period, carp perform spectacular "carp jumps." On hot summer days, it is not uncommon to see carp near the surface attracting attention with audible splashes.

It is an omnivorous fish feeding on aquatic crustaceans, insects, worms, plants, algae, and seeds. Its feeding technique of stirring up the mud can alter environmental balances in areas where it has been introduced.

Indeed, by uprooting submerged plants, it increases water turbidity, which limits the penetration of necessary sunlight for photosynthesis, consequently reducing the importance of microbial populations. Turbidity alters the water color, leading to an increase in water temperature and evaporation rate.

The common carp is an oviparous fish that spawns on exposed substrate. Carp mature at 2 years for males and 3 years for females. Reproduction is quite late as it requires water temperatures of at least 18°C. Carp and crucian carp can hybridize, resulting in sterile individuals called Kollar carp.