Carp,  Cyprinus carpio

 
Physical Description: 
�	Stout, high-backed, deep body 
�	Long-based dorsal fin
�	2 pairs of barbels on either side of terminal mouth
�	Dorsal fin edge high at front and straight in back
�	Forked tail fin, often with reddish color
�	Tubercles present on head and pectoral fins
�	Top of body brassy-colored

Similar species: 
�	Goldfish (Carassius auratus)

Mean body size:
�	Adults are 350-700 mm total length 

Habitat:
�	Usually found on the bottom, sometimes in schools in almost any type of habitat 
�	Tolerant to pollution

Distribution in VA:
�	Introduced to all major drainages in Virginia 

Food Habits:  
�	Insects and other invertebrates, fish, and plants

Reproductive Habits: 
�	Mature at ages 2-4 
�	Spawning occurs late May to early June in water at 21.5-24�C
�	Occurs in shallow backwaters and along the shoreline
�	Eggs deposited on the bottom and stick to objects in the water
�	Fecundity is about 2 million eggs per female 

Population Status, Economic, or Ecological Importance: 
�	Can be eaten, but it has a lot of bones unless prepared correctly
�	Imported from Asia
�	Fun for angling
�	Can prove a nuisance at high population density, as feeding activity stirs up the mud

References:       

Jenkins, R.E and N.M. Burkhead. 1993. Freshwater Fishes of Virginia. American Fisheries Society, Bethesda, Maryland.

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