Family: Cyprinidae, Carps and Minnows view all from this family

Description To 30" (76 cm); 60 lbs (27.2 kg). Robust, moderately compressed; back dark olive; sides lighter, yellowish below; fins dusky-olive. 2 paris of barbels on upper lip. Dorsal fin long, has 1 stout, serrate spine, 17-21 rays; anal fin with similar spine, 5-6 rays. Lateral line complete, 32-39 scales.

Similar Species Goldfish (Carassius auratus) lacks barbels; has larger scales.

Habitat Streams, lakes, ponds, sloughs, and reservoirs in turbid or clear water over mud or silt with aquatic vegetation; more common in warm waters.

Range Introduced in s. Canada, throughout United States, and Mexico.

Discussion Carp were introduced into the United States during the late 1880s by the United States Fish Commission as a food fish. They proved detrimental to native fish populations and have never become as popular as game and food fishes in North America as they are in Europe. Carp will take a variety of bait, such as dough balls, cheese, corn, and worms, and fight when hooked.