Common Carp (Cyprinus carpio)

This species is part of the order Cypriniforme which is incredibly diverse with 2660 species. The minnow family (Cyprinidae), which carp are a part of, contributes 2000 species making it the most diverse freshwater family of fishes in the world. The carp was originally native to temperate portions of western Asia. The species' suitability for pond culture and its' popularity as a food fish inspired massive introductions to Britain (during the time of Henry VIII) and later to North America in the mid-1800s. In Canada, carp are found in Quebec, Ontario, Manitoba, Saskatchewan and British Columbia. Carp are very prolific and inhabit warm nutrient rich environments and are very tolerant of adverse physical and chemical conditions.

Carp spawn in late spring and early summer at water temperatures of 65-75 degrees Fahrenheit. They spawn in shallow, weedy or muddy areas in lakes and slow moving rivers. Spawning entails large congregations of fish which slower decrease in size to 1-3 females and 3-15 males. Carp do not build nests or provide parental care so egg numbers are very large. A 20 pound female carp has been reported to possess over 2,000,000 eggs.

Growth varies depending on food availability, length of the growing season and competition for resources. Young carp grow very quickly and by the end of their first season, they tend to be between 5 and 7 inches long. Carp generally live to be about 20 years of age although European and Asian carp have been reported to be much older than this. Maximum size again varies from system to system. Carp approaching 60 pounds have been recorded from the Great Lakes.

Carp are omnivorous and consume a variety of plant and animal material. Carp have pharyngeal ("molar-like") teeth which allow them to grind up plant matter. Carp also possess a protrusible upper jaw which aids in them sucking up mouthfuls of detritus (muck) off the bottom and sifting through it to extract edible items. Aquatic invertebrates such as insects and crustaceans are prevalent prey items as is algae which can be obtained from the surface of the water.

Carp are prized as a game fish and eating fish through much of the world. In Europe and more recently in North America, carp angling has become very popular and thriving recreational industries have developed. Also bow-and-arrow fishing is popular in North America, particularly in the spring when carp are found in large numbers along shallow portions of lakes and rivers. Carp farming has been done in China since the 7th century BC and much of the species' recent history corresponds to major events in world history. Some examples are the Romans introducing carp to much of Europe and later European settlers bringing carp to North America.