The Common Carp is native to lakes and rivers of Europe and Asia but the fish has been introduced worldwide.
It is typically a metallic, scaly fish and has a long dorsal fin that starts tall, quickly descends
often in a concave arc then gradually declines towards the tail. The anal fin is a triangle.
Its other distinguishing feature is a pair of barbels by the mouth.
It can grow to over a metre long but typically is much less. It can breed hybrids with other carp species.
Colour varies from silver to goldish, black and brown.
Common Carp juveniles.
Common Carp being moved from Sheepwash Pond to larger water area; photo by Lawrence Bard, Pondlife.
Common Carp, Darlands Lake; photo by Lawrence Bard, Pondlife.