Caresheets - Carp (Common Carp, Mirror Carp, Leather Carp) - Cyprinus carpio

Carp
Alternative Name(s): Common Carp, Mirror Carp, Leather Carp
Scientific Name(s): Cyprinus carpio
Category: Pond
Difficulty:
Maximum Size: 120cms
Minimum Tank Volume: 0 litres
Minimum Tank Size: Needs a large pond
Water Temperature Range: 15-25°C
Water pH Range: 6.0-8.0
Water Hardness Range: 4-10 dGH

General Information:	Carp are one of the most fished native fish and are very similar to Koi and Goldfish. Many people are attracted to Carp due to their wild and natural colours. These fish do grow big, though typically somewhat smaller than the max posssible - usually under 90cms in the UK, and are suited to large ponds/lakes under similar specs to those needed for Koi.
Tank Requirements:	None medium term. These are suited to large ponds or lakes.
Diet Requirements:	For Carps to show their natural/wild colours a varied diet of natural food must be fed: bloodworm, daphnia, worms, maggots, water insects etc. Also feed with any good Koi food.
Compatibility:	Carp are happy with any other native species of fish that are not predatory. Tench that can be commonly found for ponds can be kept with Carp and make a realistic combination.
Recommendations:	Carp group together so need to be kept in a group of 2-3 minimum. Creating a realistic environment for the Carp will make them a lot happier: gravel and mud bottom, common pond plants - lilies + weed.
Common Problems:	Carp can be easily bored. Creating a new/interesting environment in the pond will prevent this.
Similar Species:
Sexing:	Males develop breeding tubercles (white pimples) on the gill covers and on the leading edge of the pectoral fins. Females develop a deeper body as they fill with roe (eggs), and have a larger vent.
Breeding:	It would be very hard to get carp to spawn in an aquarium due to the fact that they need autumn, winter and spring conditions to develop the eggs and also to tell them when to spawn.

Author(s): Violet, Fishlady | Photo: | Views: 44963

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