Common Carp

Common Carp is a hardy and widely distributed freshwater fish belonging to the Cyprinidae family. Originally native to parts of Europe and Asia, it has since been introduced globally, where it thrives in a variety of aquatic environments. Common carp prefer slow-moving or still waters such as lakes, ponds and rivers with muddy or silty bottoms. They are highly adaptable and tolerant of a wide range of conditions, including water temperatures between 15°C and 30°C and pH levels from around 6.5 to 9.0.

These fish are large-bodied and can grow impressively large, with some individuals exceeding 30 kilograms (66lbs) in weight and reaching lengths of over a metre, though smaller sizes are more typical in non-ideal conditions. Common carp are long-lived, often reaching 20 to 30 years in captivity or well-managed natural habitats.