Common carp ©John Bridges
Common carp
Scientific name: Cyprinus carpio
The common carp is a very large fish that is popular with anglers due to its size and fighting spirit. It frequents ponds, gravel pits and lakes, but is not native to the UK, being introduced in the Middle Ages.
Species information
Statistics
Length: 25-80cmWeight: up to 30kg
Average Lifespan: 25-50 years
Conservation status
Introduced species. The wild common carp is Listed as Vulnerable on the global IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.
When to see
January to DecemberAbout
The common carp is a large, heavy, deep-bodied fish that grows up to a metre in length. Carp are omnivorous, feeding on plants, algae, invertebrates and other fish; one favourite food is freshwater mussels, which they will eat whole with their shells still on. They live in weedy ponds, flooded gravel pits and lakes, but are not native to the UK, having been introduced in the Middle Ages for food. A commercially important fish, selective breeding has led to many forms: the leather carp and mirror carp are commonly found in the UK and show different scale patterns.How to identify
The common carp is a large fish, with a rounded body. It is greyish-bronze in colour and has a single pair of 'barbels' (sensory, whisker-like organs) at its mouth.In our area
In the Isle of Man, common carp are non-native but known to be present.