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Carp

Last updated: March 9, 2021
Verified by: AZ Animals Staff
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The carp is one of the most popular pond fishes in the world

Continue Reading after the facts...


Carp Scientific Classification

Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Chordata
Class
Actinopterygii
Order
Cypriniformes
Family
Cyprinidae

Carp Conservation Status

  • Least Concern

Carp Locations

  • Asia
Carp Locations

Carp Facts

Prey
Aquatic plants, insects, crustaceans, worms, and zooplankton
Group Behavior
  • School
Fun Fact
The carp is one of the most popular pond fishes in the world
Estimated Population Size
Unknown
Biggest Threat
Pollution and habitat change
Most Distinctive Feature
The small whiskers
Gestation Period
3-8 days
Water Type
  • Fresh
Habitat
Lakes, rivers, and ponds
Predators
Birds, aquatic mammals, and other fish
Diet
Omnivore
Lifestyle
  • School
Type
Ray-finned fish
Common Name
Carp

Carp Physical Characteristics

Colour
  • Brown
  • Blue
  • Black
  • White
  • Green
  • Orange
  • Silver
Skin Type
Scales
Lifespan
Up to 40 years in captivity
Weight
Up to 49lbs
Length
35cm (14in) on average

Carp Images

Click through all of our Carp images in the gallery.

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The carp is an oily ray-finned freshwater fish that has played a role in human culture for thousands of years.

As one of the most popular types of pond or aquarium fish in the world, many species of carp have undergone selective breeding for shape, color, and resistance to disease. This practice probably originated somewhere in China and then spread out to the rest of the world. Today carp fish are common in artificial ponds, aquaculture, and recreational and commercial fishing.

4 Incredible Carp Facts!

  • To survive the winter season, the carp fish enters a period of lethargy in which it moves to the bottom of the water and then stops eating. This dramatically slows its metabolism until the temperature improves.
  • The carp is considered to be one of the worst invading species of freshwater fish outside of its native habitat.
  • Some species can survive a very long time on low oxygen content.
  • Despite the reputation, the goldfish and other carp do not have a poor memory. In fact, one study suggested that goldfish can perhaps recognize human faces.

Carp Classification and Scientific Name

There is a lot of confusion surrounding the name “carp,” because it’s actually an informal term and not a scientific one. The closest thing to a scientific classification is the family of Cyprinidae (which actually derives from the Ancient Greek name for the carp, kuprinos; this may have some connection to Aphrodite, the goddess of procreation and love). Think of it this way. Every single species of carp belong to a single family. However, not every member of the family is a carp. It also includes the minnows and the barbells.

Carp Species

Because “carp” isn’t a well-defined scientific term, there is no single agreed-upon number of species. But there are several well-known and popular types:

  • Goldfish: Descending from wild carp in China, the goldfish is actually a member of the crucian carp genus, but due to artificial selection, it has been altered and bred for a more pleasing appearance to the human eye. This species first came to Europe at some point in the 17th century and quickly became a favorite.
  • Common Carp: Originating from the waterways of Europe and Asia, this species has brown, green, black, and white colorations. It was later introduced to the United States in the 19th century.
  • Koi: With its unique patterns of bright orange or black markings all over the white body, the koi became incredibly popular in Japanese ponds and water gardens and then spread out to the rest of the world from there. It is actually a variation of the Amur carp.
  • Grass Carp: Originating in East Asia, the grass carp is an herbivorous species with a long, almost torpedo-shaped body. Consuming up to three times its body weight in food every day, the grass carp grows very rapidly.

Carp Appearance

This is a very diverse group of fish, but there are a few characteristics that unite them. Most of these fish have a big, round body. They have a unique structure that connects the swim bladder with the auditory system to enhance and amplify vibrations and sounds. Most carp fish have barbels (long whiskers) for sensing the surrounding environment, but a few species lack them entirely.

In the wild, carp fish tend to have duller colors such as brown, green, silver, black, and white. But occasionally, a brighter orange or red carp will arise. These specimens have been selected by humans for their appearance to create domesticated species like the goldfish. The average fish grows to 14 inches in length, but the largest specimens measure some 39 inches and 49 pounds. Crucian carp are the smallest types and usually weigh no more than 4 pounds.

Carp Distribution, Population, and Habitat

The carp is a freshwater fish that first evolved in the lakes, rivers, and ponds of Europe and Asia, though some species may venture out into salt or brackish water for parts of the year. It was gradually introduced to other continents as a means of controlling annoying pests and plants. But due to its habit of disturbing local habitats and out-competing native fish, these fish quickly became an annoying pest itself. As concern grew that the fish would gradually take over and transform waterways, the United States began to construct a series of electric fish barriers to prevent the carp from entering the Great Lakes and disturbing the ecosystem there.

Because these fish is so well-represented throughout the world, many species are classified as least concern. However, the common carp and white carp are both considered to be vulnerable to extinction.

Carp Predators and Prey

These fish are an important intermediate fish in its freshwater ecosystem by transferring nutrients from the lower to upper parts of the food chain.

What does the carp eat?

This is an omnivorous fish that digs around in the dirt at the bottom of the water for aquatic plants, insects, crustaceans, worms, and zooplankton.

What eats the carp?

Adults are usually preyed on by bigger fish such as pikes and bass, plus herons, cormorants, ospreys, otters, and mink. The vast majority don’t survive until adulthood. Some egg caches are a veritable feast for a cornucopia of different predators.

Carp Reproduction and Lifespan

After awakening from its torpor, the fish will spawn in the spring or summer months. The exact timing depends on the water temperature and availability of food. Most species are broadcast spawners that release their eggs and sperm into the water to fertilize them. After attracting the interest of one or more mates, the female will lay her eggs on plants in the shallow water. A typical 8 or 9-pound fish can produce up to a million eggs at a time. Around 80% of them will end up hatching, but the vast majority of these are expected to be lost through predation and attrition.

The eggs hatch after three to eight days while still attached to vegetation or other objects. The young fry will consume the remaining egg yolk over the next few days and remain concealed in the vegetation to hide from predators and protect them from the current. After growing rapidly, the fry will soon graduate to consuming small plankton and water fleas. The fry must learn to swim and build up sufficient fat reserves before winter sets in. After departing the shallow waters, they join schools of fellow fish and continue to grow at pace. Carp have a long life expectancy of more than 40 years in captivity, but they don’t reach sexual maturity until the third year of their lives.

Carp in Fishing and Cooking

The carp remains a fairly popular fish for both commercial and recreational purposes, but it can be a little finicky to hook even with standard bait and sometimes require special fishing methods to catch. The crucian carp, for instance, tends to nudge the bait slowly instead of gulping the bait down at once. It’s a much easier practice to rear carp in artificial aquacultures for food. The silver carp and grass carp are specifically raised in this manner.

The carp features prominently in some Asian and European cuisine. Breaded or fried common carp is a traditional Christmas Eve dinner in Poland, Slovakia, and the Czech Republic, while the Chinese mud carp is sometimes eaten in Guangdong Province. In Western Europe, however, more desirable fish like salmon and trout have displaced it. This oily fish has acquired a bad reputation for tasting like mud, but it might be possible to eliminate the muddy taste by keeping the body temperature cool after catching it.

View all 75 animals that start with C

Carp FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions) 

What is a carp?

The carp is defined as a soft-finned and oily freshwater fish of the family Cyprinidae that originated from parts of Europe and Asia. It is distinct from the other member of Cyprinidae, the minnow, by its size and shape.

Is the carp a good fish to eat?

The carp is not for everybody. Some people claim it tastes like mud, while others enjoy it. The carp do contain plenty of healthy fats for the health-conscious.

How big do carps get?

The largest specimens of carp measure grow to some 39 inches and 49 pounds in size.

Why is the carp a problem?

The carp is considered to be an invasive species in many of the places where it’s been introduced. Because of the way it feeds, the carp can cause erosion, reduce water quality, and displace native fish.

What do Carp Eat?

Carps are Omnivores, meaning they eat

What Kingdom do Carp belong to?

Carp belong to the Kingdom Animalia.

What phylum do Carp belong to?

Carp belong to phylum Chordata.

What class do Carp belong to?

Carp belong to the class Actinopterygii.

What family do Carp belong to?

Carp belong to the family Cyprinidae.

What order to Carp belong to?

Carp belong to order Cypriniformes.

What type of covering do Carp have?

Carp are covered in Scales.

In what type of habitat do Carp live?

Carp live in lakes, rivers, and ponds.

What are some predators of Carp?

Predators of Carp include birds, aquatic mammals, and other fish.

What is the lifespan of a Carp?

Carp can live for up to 40 years in captivity.

What is a distinguishing feature of the Carp?

Carps have small whiskers.

What is a distinguishing feature of the Carp?

Carps have small whiskers.

What is the biggest threat to the Carp?

The biggest threats to Carp are pollution and habitat changes.

How many Carps are left in the world?

The population size of Carps is unknown.

What is an interesting fact about the Carp?

The Carp is one of the most popular pond fishes in the world.

Sources
  1. Britannica, Available here: https://www.britannica.com/animal/carp-fish-species
  2. Carp Fishing Tactics, Available here: http://www.carp-fishing-tactics.com/science-carp-reproduction.html

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