The Carp (Cyprinus carpio) is a widespread freshwater fish species native to Asia. Carp was extensively introduced to most parts of the world. Their history as a farmed fish dates back to Roman times. The Carp was first found over 2000 years ago and originated in the Niigata region of Japan in the 1820's. Carp was farmed as a food source and later also became a pet and sought after sport fish. There are various species of carp, they include;
Habitat
Carp are tolerant of most conditions, but prefer still or slowly flowing water with a soft vegetative sediment. As schooling fish, they prefer to be in groups. They are tolerant to a wide range of environmental conditions which include low oxygen and degraded habitats. The ideal water temperature that carp prefer is between 23 to 30°C, but can survive in frozen conditions.
Diet
Carp are omnivorous and can vary their diet depending on availability of food. They prefer a range of small food items such as water plants, crustaceans, insects and worms. The foods are sucked up along with the muddy water and filtered using the gills.
Carp consume plant material and general organic matter, especially when other food sources are not available (during winter, for example). Carp rarely eat fish, but may consume fish eggs and larvae and disturb breeding sites.
Reproduction
Carp is an egg layer and migrate to and from breeding areas several times per season. A female carp can lay up to 300 000 eggs in a single spawn. Carp will normally spawn in spring. This is due to the rising of water temperatures and rainfall.
The carp today is one of the most widely spread freshwater fish in the world and is very versatile, and can live in a great variety of habitats.
The carp can grow to a very large size. They are usually found in still or slowly flowing waters especially in areas where there is abundant aquatic vegetation. They are capable of tolerating a range of environmental conditions.
Carp is without equal certainly the most sought after freshwater fish for anglers.
