Common Carp Facts

Carp Description

The dorsal fin of carp has a long base and has a stout spine with serrated edges as the first ray, with the rest of the fin sloping down the back with a concave free edge. The mouth is toothless but 2 barbells are located on each side with the second one longer than the first.

Habitat of Carps

Carps thrive in freshwater, usually large lakes and slow flowing rivers found in the lowland areas. In comparison to the stout and stocky, artificially-reared species of carp, the native carps of East and Central Europe have slender bodies.

Diet

This freshwater fish is an omnivore, feeding on vegetation and bottom-dwellers in its habitat such as insect larvae, mollusks, and worms.

Carp Breeding

Breeding time for carps occur during late spring in the shallow parts of a sunny area with warm temperatures. They prefer to breed over dense vegetation. Carps lay their eggs and attach them to the plants where the hatchlings will start to grow.

Carp Trivia for Kids

Carps can be spotted in still waters and gently flowing rivers. As of today in the United Kingdom, the heaviest recorded carp captured is 64 lbs 14oz.