What is Cyprinus carpio?
[[File:Cyprinus carpio.jpeg|thumb|Eurasian Carp]] The '''common carp''' ('''''Cyprinus carpio''''') is a species of freshwater [[ray-finned fish]]. It is also known as the '''Eurasian carp''' or just '''carp'''. It is found in lakes and rivers in [[Europe]] and [[Asia]]. Since it is a destructive [[invasive species]], it is part of the [[100 of the World's Worst Invasive Alien Species|list of the world's 100 worst invasive species]]. The type subspecies is ''[[Cyprinus carpio carpio]]'', found in the [[Danube]] and [[Volga|Volga River]]. == Description == === Appearance === The Eurasian carp has a robust body with a dark gold sheen. It has big, shiny scales on its body. It has large [[Pectoral fin|pectoral fins]] and a tapering [[dorsal fin]]. The longest-lived common carp was 64 years old and the biggest recorded carp weighed 45.59 kg. When they're given sufficient space and nutrients, these fishes can grow to a very large size. === Its food === Since they are [[Omnivore|omnivorous]], they will devour aquatic plants and seeds, [[Insect|insects]], [[Crustacean|crustaceans]], [[Mollusc|mollusks]], benthic worms, fish [[Egg|eggs]], and leftovers. === Home === Common carp live in [[Fresh water|freshwater]] environments, preferably large bodies of slow [[water]]. [[File:Cyprinus carpio Illustration.jpg|left|thumb|Sketch]] == Introduction == === United States === In 1831, Eurasian carp were introduced into the [[United States]]. These fish are not usually eaten anymore because they are [[Invasive species|pests]]. They are attempting to reduce the common carp's population by 75% in [[Utah]] to save the [[June sucker]] from extinction. == As food == Common carp is eaten in [[Central Europe]] as part of [[Christmas|Christmas Eve]]. In the [[United States]], it's not usually eaten because shoppers usually like fillets. == Gallery == [[File:Common Carp (Cyprinus carpio), Dead - Killarney, Ontario.jpg|center|thumb|A dead common carp]] [[File:FMIB 35742 Cyprinus carpio -- Carpa.jpeg|center|thumb]] == References