Common Carp

The Common Carp is a widespread freshwater fish in the lakes and large rivers of Europe and Asia. Native populations are considered vulnerable to extinction, but the species has also been domesticated, and is often considered a destructive invasive species. The original common carp was found in the Danube River around 2000 years ago, possessing a torpedo-shaped body and a golden-yellow color. ed in bespoke ponds built by the Romans. As aquaculture became profitable, efforts were made to farm the animals. In Europe, domestication of carp as food was spread by monks between the 13-16th centuries. Common carp can grow to very large size in the right conditions. Domesticated carp can grow to a maximum length of 47 in (120 cm), a maximum weight of over 88 lb (40 kg), and an oldest recorded age of 38 years. The average size of the common carp is around 16-31 in (40-80 cm) and 4-30 lb (2-14 kg).