common-carp
Species Facts

Science Name: Cyprinus carpio
Other Names: Carp, German carp, Mirror carp, Israeli carp
World Record: 82 lbs. 3 oz Romania
Environment: lakes
Techniques: medium tackle
Description

Description - A heavy bodied, laterally compressed minnow with a long dorsal fin and arched back. The first ray of the dorsal and anal fins is a stout, serrated spine. The small triangular head tapers to a blunt snout. The small, protrusible mouth contains no teeth and is located below the snout. There are two pair of barbels on the upper jaw. Body color is brassy green on top grading to bronze or gold on sides. The belly is yellowish white. Fins typically are yellow, orange, golden, or light olive in color.

Varieties - The wild type of common carp is completely covered with large, round scales. Mirror carp has a few very large scales scattered over the body and leather carp are virtually scaleless.

Range - In Florida, the common carp occurs only in the Apalachicola and Ochlockonee rivers. It is widely distributed in North America. Common carp are a non-native fish from Europe which were first introduced to the United States in the late 1800's.

Habitat - The primary habitat types found in the main channel of the Apalachicola River are steep natural banks, gentle banks, dike fields, sand disposal areas, rock outcrops, and submergent vegetation. In the Ochlockonee River, the upper stretch of the main channel is narrow and shallow with steep banks and becomes progressively wider and deeper with lower banks downstream. There are numerous sand bars, point bars, sand shoals, and backwater sloughs.

Submergent vegetation is common is some areas. Lake Talquin, a large, relatively shallow reservoir on the Ochlockonee River, has extensive areas of aquatic and flooded terrestrial vegetation.

Spawning Habits - Carp spawn when water temperatures range between 65 and 75 F. Small groups gather in shallow, heavily vegetated areas that warm rapidly. One or more males pursue a female as eggs and milt are released. The eggs sink and adhere to vegetation and debris on the bottom. No parental care is given to the eggs. Egg production depends on the size of the female with anywhere from 50,000 to 2 million eggs spawned by a single female.

Feeding habits - Most often carp suck up quantities of silt, spit it out, and select out insect larvae, crustaceans, snails, and other food items. Young carp will also consume zooplankton. Adult carp are omnivorous, consuming both plant and animal foods. Plant foods include both rooted plants and algae. Organic debris can also be an important component of the diet.

Age and Growth - Few wild carp live longer than 12 years but individuals in captivity have lived as long as 47 years. Carp generally grow rapidly for the first few years until they reach sexual maturity and slows as energy is diverted into reproduction. Growth rates of carp vary considerably across North America which may reflect geographical, biological and environmental conditions at different locations.

Sporting Qualities - Pound for pound, carp will put up a fight equal to most sportfish. In Europe, carp rank third among sportfishes behind Atlantic salmon and rainbow trout. Carp are powerful and can grow quite large so appropriate tackle is required. Popular baits include dough balls canned corn, bread crusts, and worms fished on the bottom. Common carp are not listed as a sport fish in Florida, and there are no bag or size limits.

Eating Qualities - Carp are very bony but if properly prepared are excellent eating. Boiling and smoking are the two primary methods of cooking them.

Tips for Fishing

Dough balls, worms, crayfish tails, or similar baits fished on the bottom often produce good catches of carp. Bowfishing, gigging, snagging, and spearing are also popular ways of harvesting carp, especially when receding water levels leave them stranded in shallow pools.