Cyprinus carpio carpio
Linnaeus,1758
Carp
Above: A carp caught in a pond. Photo by Sam Borstein.
Etymology:
Genus- Cyprinus= From Cyprus the home of Venus.
Species- carpio= carp (Latin).
Sub-Species- carpio= carp (Latin).
Intro:
Carp are members of the minnow family and were described by Linnaeus in 1758. These fish are native to Asia. Carp saved many of America's native fish from being fished to extinction during the 1800's. This fish was brought to America by Fish and Game in order to produce a better food resource and protect the native fish from being fished to extinction. Carp spread because many States viewed them as a valuable food resource and due to their easy propagation, were spread throughout the country. Many people view the carp as a nuisance fish because it eats vegetation and the eggs of spawning fish.
This fish has a few color morphs:
- Common- Scales and Reddish fins
- Gold- Color is that of Goldfish.
- Koi- Koi are line bred forms of Carp
- Leather- Scaleless carp
- Mirror- Carp with large gold scales
Habitat:
In the wild Carp range from China to Europe. They can be found both in America and Oversees in rivers, lakes, ponds, and creeks.
Spawning:
Carp are egg scatterers and spawn in shallow water April-June.
Diet:
Carp are omnivorous, but usually feed of the bottom of the body of water they live in. They will eat almost anything. When trees are bearing seeds they will feed of the surface of the water.
Size:
Carp are generally 1-8 pounds but can grow to huge sizes of 3 feet and 50-60 pounds.
Keeping In Aquaria:
Koi are kept as pond fish, and occasionally inside, but this fish grows large. This fish has been bred in captivity.
Gaming Qualities:
Many people despise carp, but I believe they are a great fighting fish. They are pure muscle, and will make your drag scream. They will run, and it is not uncommon to fight a small Carp for 10-15 minutes. This fish is a lot of fun on ultra-light.
Fishing Tips:
I bottom fish for carp and my two favorite baits are Spanish sweet corn and worms. You have to be patient carp fishing because carp are shy, and will play with the bait for 5 minutes or more before they decide to take it fully.