Carp & Sucker
Common Carp
Cyprinus carpio
FreshwaterCyprinidaeLeast Concern
About
The common carp is a robust, heavy-bodied fish with a slightly humped back and a pair of barbels on either side of its mouth. They are bottom feeders, using their protrusible mouths to search for food in the sediment.
- Average size
- 12-48 inches, 2-70 lbs
- Colors
- Typically bronze-gold to olive-brown, with lighter coloration on the belly. Fin colors can vary.
- Diet
- Omnivorous; consumes insects, crustaceans, mollusks, plant matter, and detritus.
- Region
- Widespread throughout the US, particularly in the Great Lakes region, Mississippi River basin, and California. Considered an invasive species in many areas.