Other Names:
German carp, European carp
Description
Cyprinus is
Greek, and carpio is Latin; both words mean "carp." The
common carp is a heavy-bodied minnow with barbels on either side
of the upper jaw. Typically, color varies from brassy green or
yellow, to golden brown, or even silvery. The belly is usually
yellowish-white. The dorsal fin with 17-21 rays, and the anal fin
both have a heavy toothed spine. Individuals 12-25 inches in
length and weighing up to 8-10 pounds are common, although they
can grow much larger. Common carp may live in excess of 47 years
and weigh over 75 pounds. The all-tackle world record was landed
in 1987 from Lac de St. Cassien, France, and weighed in at 75
pounds 11 ounces.
Angling Importance
Although carp are
generally considered a nuisance by North American anglers, they
are highly prized as sportfish in Europe, as they are often
excellent fighters. A growing number of anglers in the US are
becoming interested in carp as a sportfish. Although flavor
varies with the quality of the water from which fish were
captured, their sheer abundance has made them an important food
fish in some areas. The Texas rod-and-reel record is currently
25.6 pounds. The North American record exceeds 57 pounds.
Biology
Carp were
originally native to Asia. Several hundred years ago they were
brought to Europe as a food fish, and in the late 1800s they were
introduced to North America. Carp are primarily a warm water
species, and do very well in warm, muddy, highly productive
(eutrophic) waters. Adults spawn in very shallow water in the
spring. Eggs are indiscriminately released and hatch in about a
week. Fry are planktivorous. Adults are primarily benthic,
feeding on both plant and animal material.
Distribution
Common carp are
native to temperate portions of Europe and Asia. They were first
introduced into North America in 1877. At that time they were
considered so valuable that the precious brood stock was fenced
and guarded. Since that time countless introductions both
intentional and unintentional have allowed Cyprinus carpio
to become one of the most widely distributed fish species in
North America, ranging from central Canada to central Mexico, and
from coast to coast. In Texas, common carp are ubiquitous.
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