Fish Carp: species, where it lives and what it eats, predator or not, description and characteristics

Carp is an undemanding and strong type of fish. It originated in China, but has since spread throughout the waters of the globe due to its natural qualities, as well as the efforts of people. Currently, this is one of the most sought-after fish, both among gourmets and fishing enthusiasts. Let's figure out what makes this unusual fish so popular all over the world.

What kind of fish is this

Carps, which are large freshwater fish, come in many varieties - predators, omnivores, and those that feed exclusively on plants. They are easily distinguished from similar species such as crucian carp and grass carp by the short antennae on the top of the lip.In addition, all subspecies of carp also have individual distinctive characteristics.

River carps are known for their narrow, elongated bodies and small size; this is due to the need to fight the current in order to find food. Lakes and ponds are enclosed bodies of water. Carp in these places are round in shape, grow faster and are able to tolerate the lack of oxygen in the water.

Carps are strong and not very demanding creatures that eat almost everything, quickly adapting to any kind of water. They do not require any special care. Their high reproductive rate and low numbers of natural predators allow them to colonize large bodies of water, especially those where the fish are farmed commercially. There is no need to constantly count the number of carps, as their eggs and juveniles become the prey of adult fish, birds and other animals, which saves from the danger that the carp will become a “monopoly” of the reservoir.

This fish is so undemanding that it does not notice water pollution, and its priority is only to find food, which earned it the nickname water pig.

Because of bad weather, Japanese rice farmers were often unable to travel to the markets for food. To make up for the lack of protein-rich food, they ate carps that lived in neighboring ponds, the water from which was used to irrigate rice plantations.

A 70-year-old Japanese man takes care of a 105-year-old carp passed down to him. Despite being offered a lot of money for him, he categorically refuses to part with his beloved pet.

Appearance

Carp have distinctive features that make it easy to recognize, for example:

green-gold eyes set high on the head;
large size fish with arched and full body;
double nostrils on the muzzle;
large scales with a dark border;
flanks are golden in color with a slight brownish tinge, underside of the body is light in color while the back is dark;
greenish-gray dorsal fin has a concave shape, crowned with a spiny ray, and there is also one spike on the short anal fin;
mouth wide, elongated in the form of a tube;
four short mustaches are located on the upper lip.

In addition, the fish has a layer of mucus that covers its body to protect it from predators or adverse environmental factors.

Habitat

This fish prefers a warm climate, so it is not found in the northern regions. Carp species such as common carps are found in temperate and southern areas, including the Far East of Russia and Eurasia.

Expert opinionZarechny Maxim ValerievichAgronomist with 12 years of experience. Our best gardening expert.Ask a QuestionIn the 1970s, silver carp were introduced to lakes and other bodies of water in America and Canada. In Russia, carp is found in such water bodies as the B altic, Japanese, Caspian and Okhotsk Seas.

Carp lives in ponds where there is a lot of vegetation on the bottom, which usually consists of soft clay, sand or silt. They prefer warm water and a depth of two to five meters, although larger carp can dive to a depth of ten meters. This freshwater fish is also easy to find in slow-flowing lakes, flooded quarries, ponds and reservoirs.

Carps are alert creatures, so they prefer to live in places with a lot of cover, rather than in open areas with a flat bottom. They like areas with dense vegetation, secluded crevices, driftwood and clusters of underwater plants.In winter, these fish gather in groups and look for depressions, where they will remain until the arrival of spring, burrowing into the substrate.

Food

Carp is a voracious and omnivorous creature that lives in water bodies. Before and after the hibernation period, he consumes mainly food of animal origin. During the summer months, he switches to a plant-based diet.

Their diet is very diverse, it includes:

crustaceans and molluscs;
caviar of fish and frogs;
tadpoles and leeches, insects with their larvae;
worms;
young shoots of aquatic plants.

Large specimens will not hesitate to swallow their relatives or other creatures living in the same pond, such as frogs and crayfish. Big carp will even try to catch birds that come down to the surface of the water.

During periods of food shortage, they consume mucus collected on plants and devour mammal droppings.

Reproduction

For spawning, carp need a warm environment, preferably 18-20 degrees Celsius at a water depth of 50-150 cm. -seven days. For the first few days after hatching, the fry feed on egg yolk and then switch to zooplankton.

Only after reaching puberty is it possible to distinguish between males and females of this species. Males reach sexual maturity after two to three years of life, while females take two years more. The main difference between them is the size of the carp.

Females are usually six to seven centimeters longer than males. To breed, males must be at least thirty centimeters long, and females thirty-seven centimeters or more.In addition, males have whitish warts on their cheeks, nape (back of the head), front fins, and gill covers.

In some species, males and females have other differences in physical characteristics. The anus of the female is enlarged, it is oval and reddish in color. In addition, the genital opening of the female looks like a triangular fold.

Female carps become aggressive during spawning, and males then guard the eggs they lay, showing an increased level of aggression.

Lifestyle

Carps tend to swim in groups. Only the largest fish tend to stay alone, preferring deep places, but it doesn't matter if other carp are present nearby. They do not like to sail away from familiar territory; when they move, they often swim in a school that includes fish of various sizes and ages.

Carp are mostly calm creatures that do not hunt for prey, but sometimes come into a fight if they feel that their territory is being encroached. Predator carp, on the other hand, are considered active hunters that consume their prey and then rest to digest their food.

Green frogs usually feast on eggs and juveniles of large carp, and crayfish and other fish also consider it a delicacy. The eggs laid by carp near the shore are often destroyed by birds and other creatures.

The fry are also in danger because of adult fish of their own species, which will eat them without any remorse. They are also eaten by other predators - pikes or catfish. In addition, people pose a threat to carp due to fishing activities that can lead to their destruction.

In the beginning, how carp grow depends on nutrition. Fry, which are constantly fed, reach a weight of 500 grams by the age of six months.Carp fed special food weigh eight to ten kilograms and are half a meter long after seven years. At the same time, carps in natural ponds, without an enriched diet, take twice as long to reach this size, they grow to their optimal size only at fourteen to sixteen years.

The second requirement for optimal growth is the size of the pond; fish will not become large in a small, poorly maintained pond. In addition, they need access to open water, such as a lake or river, where there is no excessive crowding. In such places, it is easy to find specimens up to 1.5 m and weighing more than twenty-five kilograms.

The lifespan of these fish is determined by their environment. Man-raised carps reach a salable size after two to three years, after which they are supplied for sale. On the other hand, wild carps living in a natural reservoir can live up to three decades and even more; this is influenced by factors such as the temperature of the water and the amount of food they consume.

On the hook of anglers usually come across carp aged from two to seven years, weighing from one to six kilograms. Rarely come across old-timers who are forty-five years old. Ornamental species are able to live for more than a century.

Origin story

There are two conflicting theories about how carp came to be.

The first one says that the carp was bred by Chinese breeders from a domesticated carp, which is allegedly confirmed by the translation of its name as “domesticated carp”. And later it spread through river channels and through transportation by people to Europe and America. However, this version is recognized by most scientists as erroneous.
Fans of the second theory argue that wild carp originally lived in rivers and lakes, while artificially spreading those individuals that lived in lakes. Over the past hundred and fifty years, new breeds of this variety of carp have been artificially bred to improve species diversity.

Views

The family of these fish covers more than a third of a thousand varieties, including domesticated ones. However, only about ten to fifteen species are well known.

Naked carp

This species is a type of mirror carp, also known as hairless because it has no scales at all. However, there are a few scales, large in size, that are visible on its back and near the tail fin. This vulnerable fish is only suitable for artificial ponds due to its weak immune system; she is often sick and infected with parasites.

Siamese carp

This species, commonly referred to as giant because of its weight of forty-one hundred and fifty kilograms, is considered the most numerous. It is a non-predatory omnivore that feeds on plants, algae, fruits, cereals and phytoplankton from local water sources.Representatives of this mustachioed species look impressive - they can reach three meters in length. His scales are large and hard; the color of the body is determined by the environment in which it lives.

Carp carp

These creatures are hybrids, so they don't breed. There is a similarity with crucians in terms of head and color, but the body is more like a river carp. They do not have whiskers, and they are omnivorous predators; known for their rapid growth (two kilos in a couple of years) and delicious meat.

Mirror carp

This species has a large build, with tough scales that are larger than the normal species. These scales resemble small round mirrors that are located only on the upper part of its body. Prefers to live in muddy warm water like other species.

Koi

This variety was bred in the second century by crossing wild carp and local carp. They come in white, red, pink and spotted colors and grow up to one meter in length when kept in ponds.In some regions they are eaten. In the Land of the Rising Sun, koi have become an important part of the culture; they are used to decorate ponds and also have their place in art, symbolism and tradition.

About carp fishing

Catching this non-marine fish will be successful when the day is hot, windless and cloudy with a slight south-southwest or south-southeast breeze. In addition, the barometric pressure must be low. The biggest chances of catching big fish are at dawn and dusk. Fishing is better in muddy water than in clear water.

Fish that have completed the spawning process are easier to catch as they are very hungry and less alert.

Nutritional value

River carp fish contains important nutrients such as proteins, fats, vitamins and minerals. Here are some of the key nutrients found in 100 grams of cooked carp fillets:

Proteins: 19g
Fats: 6g
Carbs: 0g
Calories: 120 kcal.

However, it should be noted that frying a dish more than doubles its calorie content. Therefore, for those who are trying to lose weight or prevent weight gain, it is recommended to use carp that has been boiled, as well as stewed or baked.

Carp is also a great source of some important vitamins and minerals, including:

Vitamin B12: 1.6 mcg.
Vitamin B6: 0.4 mg.
Vitamin D: 0.6 mcg.
Vitamin E: 0.5 mg.
Phosphorus: 220 mg.
Potassium: 310 mg.
Magnesium: 30 mg.
Iron: 0.7 mg.

Fish also contains small amounts of calcium, sodium and zinc. The proteins found in carp contain all the essential amino acids, making it a useful source of protein for non-meat eaters.In addition, omega-3 fatty acids, which are also present in carp, help lower blood cholesterol levels and improve heart and vascular he alth.

Carps feed on algae, plants and mollusks and do not consume carrion. Thus, their meat is always uncontaminated and nutritious, and eating it will not bring any negative effects.

It has long been observed that regular consumption of fish improves bone he alth, mental alertness, and also protects the heart and blood vessels. It is also believed to boost immunity, provide energy and vitality, and slow down the aging process.

Farmed carp fillets are not always he althy due to several factors.

First of all, it is recommended to cook the fish carefully, as it sometimes contains parasites.
Meat can contain unhe althy fats and too much cholesterol, which is dangerous for humans.
Because fish farming uses antibiotics, these chemicals can weaken a person's immune system.
And, finally, the small bones of carp, if used carelessly, can cause injury to the throat or esophagus.

People prone to allergies may experience an allergic reaction if they eat carp meat.

Cultural farmed carp are fed a nutritious diet of fibre, protein and fat. However, the addition of chemicals used to improve growth, antibiotics, flavorings and dyes can ruin the taste of captive-bred fish. On the contrary, wild species are distinguished by he althy meat with a pleasant aroma, which is also tender and juicy.