Carp

Carp are a group of freshwater fish that belong to the family Cyprinidae. They are found mostly in Eurasia but have been introduced to many other parts of the world. Some people value carp as food and for their beauty in ponds and aquariums, but in some places they are considered pests because they can harm local ecosystems.

These fish are popular among anglers and are often raised on farms for commercial purposes. Despite their mixed reputation, carp play an important role in both culture and the environment, depending on where they live. Their strong fighting spirit when caught makes them a favorite among fishing enthusiasts.

Biology

The Cypriniformes, including the family Cyprinidae, are mostly found in freshwater and have special bones called Weberian ossicles that help them hear. These fish usually have scales and teeth that can change based on what they eat. Some carp, like the common carp, can live in both salty and fresh water, but most stay in freshwater habitats.

Carp are important to people as food and decorations, like goldfish and koi. However, some types of carp have become invasive in places like the United States, leading to efforts to control their populations. Interestingly, certain carp can survive for months without much oxygen by turning stored energy into ethanol, which they release through their gills.

Species

Carp are a group of freshwater fish that belong to the Cyprinidae family, which is a very large group of ray-finned fish. Most carp are originally from Eurasia, but they can now be found in many parts of the world. In some places, like parts of the Old World, carp are popular for fishing, eating, and even kept as decorative fish in ponds and aquariums. However, in other regions such as Africa, Australia, and many parts of the United States, carp are seen as unwanted invasive species that can harm local ecosystems.

Recreational fishing

Carp are popular among people who enjoy fishing. In Europe, they are highly prized for how tricky they are to catch. In the UK, there is a big interest in carp fishing, with many books, websites, and groups dedicated to the sport.

In the United States, carp were once seen as unwanted because they compete with other fish people like to catch. However, many are now starting to appreciate them as a fun challenge. Groups are working to help people learn more about fishing for carp and enjoy this unique opportunity.

Aquaculture

See also: Aquaculture in China

Various species of carp have been domesticated and reared as food fish in Europe and Asia for thousands of years. These carp were raised in ponds and have been useful because they are hardy and can adapt to many environments. In China, people have farmed fish for at least 2,400 years.

Although carp used to be a main food fish in Western Europe, its importance has lessened as other fish like trout and salmon became more popular. But in parts of Europe and Asia, carp farming remains an important way to raise fish.

Breeding

Scientists have worked hard to breed better carp. They mix different carp families to make them stronger and able to live in different temperatures. Some carp were bred to grow faster and stay healthy in cold water.

In China, special types of carp like black, grass, silver, and bighead carp are important for farming. In the 1950s, Chinese scientists learned how to help these carp breed in labs, which helped grow more fish for food. Later, they made a new kind of common carp called Jian carp that grows quickly and eats food efficiently. Today, more than half of all carp farmed in China are Jian carp.

Main article: Common carp

As ornamental fish

Main articles: Goldfish, Koi, and Koi pond

Carp and their relatives are popular fish for decorating aquariums and ponds. Goldfish, which are a special type of carp, were first bred in China over a thousand years ago. Through careful breeding, they now come in many colors and shapes. Goldfish were kept in China for a long time before they were brought to Japan in 1603 and then to Europe in 1611.

Koi, another special type of carp, were developed in Japan in the 1820s. They are known for their beautiful colors and are often kept in outdoor ponds. In Japan, koi are considered symbols of good luck and are loved by many people around the world.

As food

Bighead carp is enjoyed in many parts of the world, but it has not become a popular foodfish in North America. Its flesh is white and firm, different from the common carp, which is darker. Both types have small bones in the meat, but bighead carp from the wild in the United States are usually larger, making the bones less of a problem.

Common carp, when breaded and fried, is part of traditional Christmas Eve dinner in Slovakia, Poland, eastern Croatia, and the Czech Republic. It is also a main food fish in pond-based water farms. Special recipes include "sweet-and-sour carp" and "thick miso soup with carp".

Crucian carp is considered the best-tasting pan fish in Poland, known as karaś, and is often served with sour cream. In Russia, it is called Золотой карась, meaning 'golden crucian', and is used in a borscht recipe called borshch s karasej.

Mud carp is mainly eaten by people with lower incomes, often sold alive but can also be dried and salted. It is an important food fish in Guangdong Province and Taiwan, and is used in Cantonese and Shunde cuisines. It can be made into fish cakes, fish balls, or dumplings, and served with vegetables like Chinese cabbage.

Masgouf is a popular Iraqi dish made from seasoned, grilled carp. Gefilte fish is an Ashkenazi Jewish dish that uses carp among other fish.

Common carp in culture

Carp have played an important role in Chinese culture and literature for thousands of years. One famous old story tells of a man far from home who sent his wife a pair of carp. Inside one of the fish, she found a love note with just two lines: "Eat well to keep fit, missing you and forget me not."

In Chinese folklore, there is a famous tale about carp trying to jump over a waterfall called the Dragon Gate at the Yellow River in Henan. It was believed that if certain carp called yulong could climb this waterfall, they would transform into dragons. This idea inspired the idiom "Liyu jumps over the Dragon Gate," used to encourage students and children to work hard and achieve great success. Carp are also very popular subjects in Chinese paintings, often shown in gold or pink colors as symbols of good luck.

In Japan, a special kind of carp called the Koi has been bred since the early 1800s. These brightly colored fish are important in Japanese art and culture, representing luck, strength, and perseverance. People often give Koi as gifts to show love, gratitude, and peace. Because Koi swim strongly against river currents, they are also seen as symbols of bravery, similar to Samurai warriors. The phrase "koi no taki-nobori" meaning "Carp climbing the waterfalls" is used to describe someone's strength and determination.