Common Carp

Cyprinus carpio

Vulnerable Brackish

Max Length

120.0 cm

Max Weight

40.1 kg

Color

Olive-brown to dark greenish-bronze back …

Depth Range

0-29m

Family

Cyprinidae

About

The common carp is one of the most widely introduced freshwater fish globally. Originally domesticated in East Asia over 2,000 years ago, it is a sacred fish in many cultures and the primary target species in European coarse fishing.

Physical Description

Measurement	Value
Maximum Length	120.0 cm
Maximum Weight	40.1 kg
Depth Range	0-29m

Coloration

Olive-brown to dark greenish-bronze back with large golden-yellow scales on the sides; belly yellowish-white; fins are grayish to dark olive; scales have a faint darker edge giving a reticulated look.

Habitat & Distribution

Rivers, lakes, and reservoirs across Asia; introduced globally. Highly adaptable; tolerates turbid, warm, low-oxygen water (4-30°C). Prefers slow-moving water over silty substrates. Important aquaculture species.

Water Type

Brackish

Depth Range

0-29m

Geographic Range

Countries

🇨🇳 China 🇩🇪 Germany 🇰🇿 Kazakhstan

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Distribution Map

Present Not recorded countries

Conservation Status

Vulnerable IUCN Red List

Common Carp is classified as Vulnerable by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).

Common Carp faces significant threats to its wild populations.

Edibility & Culinary

Taste

Dense, moderately fatty flesh with an earthy flavor; improves greatly when sourced from clean, cold water. Central European staple — traditionally braised, fried, or prepared as gefilte fish.

Fishing Information

Game Fish

Yes

Recommended Bait

boilies, corn, bread, worms, dough balls

Taxonomy

Order	Cypriniformes (Carps and minnows)
Family	Cyprinidae (Carps and minnows)
Species	Cyprinus carpio

Names in Other Languages

Language	Name
French	Carpe commune
Spanish	Carpa común

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you eat Common Carp?

Dense, moderately fatty flesh with an earthy flavor; improves greatly when sourced from clean, cold water. Central European staple — traditionally braised, fried, or prepared as gefilte fish.

How big does Common Carp get?

Common Carp can grow up to 120.0 cm long and weigh 40.1 kg.

Where is Common Carp found?

Native to the Danube and Caspian Sea drainages of central Europe and western Asia. Introduced globally; now one of the most widely distributed freshwater fish in Europe, Asia, North America, and Australia. Rivers, lakes, and reservoirs across Asia; introduced globally. Highly adaptable; tolerates turbid, warm, low-oxygen water (4-30°C). Prefers slow-moving water over silty substrates. Important aquacult

Is Common Carp endangered?

The conservation status of Common Carp is Vulnerable according to the IUCN Red List.

What family does Common Carp belong to?

Common Carp (Cyprinus carpio) belongs to the family Cyprinidae (Carps and minnows) in the order Cypriniformes (Carps and minnows).