Alternative species (click on the thumbnail to see the card)
Names
Scientific name
Cyprinus carpio carpio
Common name
Carp
Common carp
European carp
Mirror carp
Origin
Origin: Asia, Europe
Biotope: not specific
Dimorphism
The male is smaller
Group
Cyprinidae
Volume
2000 L / 440 imp gal / 530 US gal
Depth: 1.5 m (40") and more
Parameters
T°: 3 to 23°C or 37 to 73°F
pH: 6.5 à 8.5
Hardness: 10 à 15°dGH
Difficulty
Easy
Size
35 to 80 cm (14 to 32")
Longevity
20 years
Living zone
Depth
Individuals
5
Food
How to feed the Carp?
Food
How to feed the Carp?
Omnivorous. Feed it with specific foods and herbal supplements, wild rice, seaweed, seeds, insects, worms, crustaceans...
Behavior
What kind of behavior does the Carp have?
Behavior
What kind of behavior does the Carp have?
Very peaceful, even nice! This carp remains however very suspicious. It will feel better among its peers, in a group of 5 and more if possible. It spends most of its time looking for food by digging the ground. Its activity is mainly nocturnal, with peaks at dawn and in the evening.
Cohabitation
Who can live with the Carp?
Cohabitation
Who can live with the Carp?
It is a gregarious fish that likes to move in a shoal. However, large, older individuals tend to isolate themselves. They will feel very well alone.
Breeding
How to breed the Carp?
Breeding
How to breed the Carp?
This species breeds in a group (a few more males). Spawning occurs in spring and summer when the temperature of the water rises. Temperature at 15/20°C or 59/68°F and pH at 7/7.5. Powerful filtration will ensure good oxygenation of the water.
A laying may include 300 000 eggs. A female can lay up to 1 million eggs each year. Their population remains stable because most of the eggs and fry do not survive (parasites, diseases, predators...). Incubation lasts 5 days at 15°C or 59°F and 3 days at 20°C or 68°F.
Its pond
Which pond for the Carp?
Its pond
Which pond for the Carp?
The pond must have a solid bottom made of sand, humus and mud. Also opt for a water lily plantation because the Carp nibbles and uproots the other plants.
Finally, common carp do not like strong currents and prefers large expanses of stagnant water.
Good To know
Find all additional information!
Good To know
Find all additional information!
Common carp are often found in ponds. In winter (below 8°C or 46°F), it stops feeding and its activity is reduced. It is also capable of surviving in very low oxygen waters because it can swallow air to the surface.
It has 4 barbs with which it looks for food by digging the ground.
For unknown reasons, it sometimes starts to jump and falls into a big «splash».
There are 3 varieties: Mirror Carp, Leather Carp and Koi Carp.
Yours photos!
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