TRD: Institute for animal production: Aquaculture: COMMON CARP
Common Carp (Cyprinus carpio)
Common Carp
(Cyprinus carpio)
Description
The common carp can be distinguished from other cyprinids by the heavy and strongly serrated spines in the anterior portion of its dorsal and anal fins. Mouth protrusible, with a single pair of barbells on each side of its upper jaw. Color variable from olive brown to rich brazen gold, fins dark grey.
Distribution
Widespread throughout South Africa, but absent from mountain areas and is restricted to the warmer tropical areas such as the lowveld.
Biology
Common carp feed on a wide range of plant and animal matter mainly by grubbing in sediments. Although it is hardy and tolerant of a wide variety of conditions, carp generally favour large water bodies with slow-flowing or standing water and soft bottom sediments. It thrives in large dams and large turbid rivers. Carp breed in spring and summer by laying sticky eggs in shallow vegetation.
