Exploring the World of Carp: A Guide to 20 Different Species

In this guide, you will find detailed descriptions of each species, including information about their physical characteristics, habitat, and behavior. You will also learn about the various roles that carp play in their ecosystems, and how they are perceived and used by humans around the world. Whether they are popular gamefish, important food sources, or simply beloved pets, each of these species has its own unique place in the world. So come along with us as we explore the diverse world of carp and learn about 20 different species that call freshwater habitats around the globe their home.

Common Carp

This is the most widespread species of carp and is native to Europe and Asia. It is known for its hardy nature and adaptability, and is found in a wide range of freshwater habitats including lakes, rivers, and ponds. Common carp are typically olive green in color, with a streamlined body and a distinctive set of barbels around the mouth. They are opportunistic feeders and will consume a variety of plant and animal matter. Common carp are a popular target for anglers and are known for their strong fighting ability when hooked.

Mirror Carp

This is a subspecies of common carp that is characterized by the presence of large, mirror-like scales on its body. Mirror carp are typically larger and more heavily scaled than common carp, and are highly prized by anglers for their appearance and fighting ability. Mirror carp are found in a variety of freshwater habitats throughout Europe and are known for their adaptability and hardiness. They are opportunistic feeders and will consume a wide range of plant and animal matter.

Grass Carp

This is a large species of carp that is native to Asia and is known for its herbivorous diet. Grass carp are typically grey or silver in color, with a slender body and a large, upturned mouth. They are often used for aquatic weed control in lakes and ponds, as they feed heavily on aquatic plants and can effectively control the growth of nuisance species. Grass carp are not typically targeted by anglers, as they are not considered to be good sportfish.

Crucian Carp

This is a small, slender species of carp that is native to Europe. Crucian carp are typically gold or bronze in color, with a slender body and a small, upturned mouth. They are found in a variety of freshwater habitats including lakes, rivers, and ponds, and are known for their ability to survive in low-oxygen environments. Crucian carp are a popular target for anglers and are known for their strong fighting ability when hooked. They are opportunistic feeders and will consume a wide range of plant and animal matter.

Koi

This is a domesticated form of common carp that is popular in ornamental ponds and aquariums. Koi are known for their bright colors and patterns, which can include shades of red, orange, yellow, white, and black. They are typically larger and more heavily scaled than common carp, and have a more robust body shape. Koi are not typically targeted by anglers, as they are not considered to be good sportfish. Instead, they are kept for their ornamental value and are often kept in outdoor ponds or indoor aquariums. Koi are omnivorous and will consume a wide range of plant and animal matter. They are hardy and adaptable fish that can survive in a variety of freshwater habitats.

Black Carp

This is a large, predatory species of carp that is native to Asia. Black carp are typically dark grey or black in color, with a streamlined body and a large, upturned mouth. They are known for their voracious appetite and have been introduced to some areas outside of their native range for use in aquatic weed control. Black carp are not typically targeted by anglers, as they are not considered to be good sportfish.

Bighead Carp

This is a large, herbivorous species of carp that is native to Asia. Bighead carp are typically silver or white in color, with a large, scaleless head and a small, upturned mouth. They are known for their ability to filter large volumes of water and are often used for aquatic weed control in lakes and ponds. Bighead carp are not typically targeted by anglers, as they are not considered to be good sportfish.

Amur Carp

This is a large, predatory species of carp that is native to Asia. Amur carp are typically green or grey in color, with a streamlined body and a large, upturned mouth. They are found in a variety of freshwater habitats including rivers, lakes, and ponds, and are known for their strong fighting ability when hooked. Amur carp are a popular target for anglers in some parts of their native range and are known for their adaptability and hardiness. They are opportunistic feeders and will consume a wide range of plant and animal matter.

Silver Carp

This is a large, herbivorous species of carp that is native to Asia. Silver carp are typically silver or white in color, with a streamlined body and a small, upturned mouth. They are known for their ability to jump out of the water when startled and have been introduced to some areas outside of their native range for use in aquatic weed control. Silver carp are not typically targeted by anglers, as they are not considered to be good sportfish.

Redfin Carp

his is a small, omnivorous species of carp that is native to Europe. Redfin carp are typically golden or bronze in color, with a slender body and a small, upturned mouth. They are found in a variety of freshwater habitats including lakes, rivers, and ponds, and are known for their ability to survive in a wide range of conditions. Redfin carp are a popular target for anglers and are known for their strong fighting ability when hooked. They are opportunistic feeders and will consume a wide range of plant and animal matter. Redfin carp are known for their hardiness and adaptability, and are often found in areas with low oxygen levels or fluctuating water temperatures.

Prussian Carp

This is a large, predatory species of carp that is native to Europe. Prussian carp are typically green or grey in color, with a streamlined body and a large, upturned mouth. They are found in a variety of freshwater habitats including lakes, rivers, and ponds, and are known for their strong fighting ability when hooked. Prussian carp are a popular target for anglers in some parts of their native range and are known for their adaptability and hardiness. They are opportunistic feeders and will consume a wide range of plant and animal matter.

Huchen

This is a large, predatory species of carp that is native to Europe. Huchen are typically silver or grey in color, with a streamlined body and a large, upturned mouth. They are found in a variety of freshwater habitats including rivers, lakes, and ponds, and are known for their strong fighting ability when hooked. Huchen are a popular target for anglers in some parts of their native range and are known for their adaptability and hardiness. They are opportunistic feeders and will consume a wide range of plant and animal matter.

Silver Prussian Carp

This is a subspecies of Prussian carp that is characterized by its distinctive silver coloration. Silver Prussian carp are typically larger and more heavily scaled than common carp, and are highly prized by anglers for their appearance and fighting ability. They are found in a variety of freshwater habitats throughout Europe and are known for their adaptability and hardiness. They are opportunistic feeders and will consume a wide range of plant and animal matter.

Chinese Highfin Carp

This is a medium-sized, omnivorous species of carp that is native to Asia. Chinese highfin carp are typically green or grey in color, with a streamlined body and a small, upturned mouth. They are found in a variety of freshwater habitats including rivers, lakes, and ponds, and are known for their ability to survive in a wide range of conditions. Chinese highfin carp are a popular target for anglers in some parts of their native range and are known for their strong fighting ability when hooked. They are opportunistic feeders and will consume a wide range of plant and animal matter.

European River Carp

This is a medium-sized, omnivorous species of carp that is native to Europe. European river carp are typically olive green in color, with a streamlined body and a small, upturned mouth. They are found in a variety of freshwater habitats including rivers, lakes, and ponds, and are known for their ability to survive in a wide range of conditions. European river carp are a popular target for anglers in some parts of their native range and are known for their strong fighting ability when hooked. They are opportunistic feeders and will consume a wide range of plant and animal matter. European river carp are known for their hardiness and adaptability, and are often found in areas with low oxygen levels or fluctuating water temperatures. They are a popular gamefish in some parts of Europe and are known for their strong fighting ability when hooked.

Chondrostoma

This is a small to medium-sized, omnivorous species of carp that is native to Europe. Chondrostoma are typically olive green or brown in color, with a slender body and a small, upturned mouth. They are found in a variety of freshwater habitats including rivers, lakes, and ponds, and are known for their ability to survive in a wide range of conditions. Chondrostoma are a popular target for anglers in some parts of their native range and are known for their strong fighting ability when hooked. They are opportunistic feeders and will consume a wide range of plant and animal matter.

Günther's Carp

This is a small to medium-sized, omnivorous species of carp that is native to Europe. Günther's carp are typically olive green or brown in color, with a slender body and a small, upturned mouth. They are found in a variety of freshwater habitats including rivers, lakes, and ponds, and are known for their ability to survive in a wide range of conditions. Günther's carp are a popular target for anglers in some parts of their native range and are known for their strong fighting ability when hooked. They are opportunistic feeders and will consume a wide range of plant and animal matter.

Stone Moroko

This is a medium-sized, predatory species of carp that is native to Europe. Stone moroko are typically silver or grey in color, with a streamlined body and a large, upturned mouth. They are found in a variety of freshwater habitats including rivers, lakes, and ponds, and are known for their strong fighting ability when hooked. Stone moroko are a popular target for anglers in some parts of their native range and are known for their adaptability and hardiness. They are opportunistic feeders and will consume a wide range of plant and animal matter. Stone moroko are known for their strong fighting ability when hooked and are considered a challenging gamefish by many anglers.

Danube Salmon

This is a large, predatory species of carp that is native to Europe. Danube salmon are typically silver or grey in color, with a streamlined body and a large, upturned mouth. They are found in a variety of freshwater habitats including rivers, lakes, and ponds, and are known for their strong fighting ability when hooked. Danube salmon are a popular target for anglers in some parts of their native range and are known for their adaptability and hardiness. They are opportunistic feeders and will consume a wide range of plant and animal matter. Danube salmon are known for their strong fighting ability when hooked and are considered a challenging gamefish by many anglers.

Dicentrarchus

This is a medium-sized, predatory species of carp that is native to Europe. Dicentrarchus are typically silver or grey in color, with a streamlined body and a large, upturned mouth. They are found in a variety of freshwater habitats including rivers, lakes, and ponds, and are known for their strong fighting ability when hooked. Dicentrarchus are a popular target for anglers in some parts of their native range and are known for their adaptability and hardiness. They are opportunistic feeders and will consume a wide range of plant and animal matter. Dicentrarchus are known for their strong fighting ability when hooked and are considered a challenging gamefish by many anglers.