Common Carp

Description:

The invasive Carp pictured here is larger than the native Carp of Europe and Asia growing to a maximum length of 120cm, although most of what we saw in local streams was less than half that size. They are usually silvery in color but can be shades of bronze or green.

Habitat:

They are found throughout the Midwestern US in all water environments: streams, rivers, ponds and lakes. They will survive the coldest winters as long as there is free water under the ice.

Notes:

While the native wild population in Europe and Asia are listed as "vulnerable," the invasive Carp (pictured) found in the Midwestern US and other places, is one of the most destructive of all invasive species. As a kid I remember it taking over several ponds and "gravel pits" that had been stocked with game fish to the point that the game fish all but disappeared.