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COMMON CARP
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Common Carp
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Common Carp
(Cyprinus carpio) Common
Names - Carp, German carp, Mirror carp, Israeli
carp.
Description – Large, heavy bodied minnow with
arched back small triangular head tapering to blunt
snout; first ray of the dorsal and anal fins stout,
serrated spine; small, subterminal and protrusible mouth
contains no teeth; two pair of barbels on the upper jaw;
body color brassy green on top grading to bronze or gold
on sides with yellowish white belly; typically covered
with large, round scales; not the problem in Florida it
is reported to be in other states.
Range - Occurs only in the Apalachicola and
Ochlockonee rivers; widely distributed elsewhere in
North America; first introduced to the United States in
the late 1800's. Native range Europe.
Habitat – Occurs throughout Apalachicola and
Ochlockonee river systems in variety of habitats ranging
from steep natural banks to gentle banks, dike fields,
sand disposal areas, rocky outcrops, and backwater
sloughs with or without submergent vegetation; not
nearly as abundant in Florida as most other states,
possibly due to our short and mild winters.
Spawning Habits - Typically spawn when water
temperatures range between 65 and 75oF; small groups
gather in shallow, heavily vegetated areas that warm
rapidly; one or more males pursue a female as eggs and
milt are released, but no parental care given; eggs sink
and adhere to vegetation and debris on the bottom; egg
production from 50,000 to 2 million.
Feeding Habits – Feed by sucking up bottom
silt, and selectively removing insect larvae,
crustaceans, snails, and other small food items; adult
carp are omnivorous, consuming both plant and animal
foods; organic debris may also be an important component
of the diet.
Age And Growth - Few live longer than 12 years
in the wild, but in captivity have lived 47 years;
growth varies considerable, but generally rapid for the
first few years, then slows. They commonly reach more
than 10 pounds.
Sporting Quality – Not listed as a sport fish
in Florida, but a powerful fighter equal to most
sportfish; ranks third in popularity behind Atlantic
salmon and rainbow trout in Europe; require heavy
tackle; best baits include dough balls, canned corn,
bread crusts, and worms fished on the bottom; no bag or
size limits.
Edibility - Bony but if properly prepared
excellent eating; boiling and smoking are the two
primary methods of cooking them.
World Record - Caught in France weighed 75
pounds, 11 ounces
State Record - 40.56 pounds caught in
the Apalachicola River, 1981.
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