Common Carp

Description

These are elongated fishes, with fairly robust fins and sensory barbels in the corners of the mouth, from which they get their sense of taste. Their colour changes depending on the different varieties, but they are generally an orangey-red, with white and black spots. The adult males are distinguished from the females by the fact that they are slightly longer and the females are wider, especially during spawning season.

Ethology

They generally behave peaceably and can therefore live alongside other species of fish, provided those fish are bigger. They will eat the smaller species of fish. They swim in large banks and the males will only become aggressive during the mating season. 

Interesting facts

The word “Koi” in Japanese means “carp”. It is one of the most popular pond fishes and is currently practically domesticated which has helped to save it from the danger of extinction.