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  • Dut: Karper (blauwkarper, boerenkarper, edelkarper, hollandse karper, knol, lederkarper, naaktkarper, rijenkarper, schubkarper, wilde karper)
  • Lat: Cyprinus carpio
  • Eng: Carp
  • Ger: Karpfen
  • Fre: Carpe
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Carp, From www.sportviszone.nl

Carp

Carp was imported by man from Asia and Eastern Europe to Western Europe at the beginning of the Christian Era. It was intentionally released in North America in 1877, where it has now become a plague. Carp eat from the bottom. Using their barbels, they feel the bottom for such animals as worms, mollusks and crustaceans. They will also eat plant material. When in captivity, they can reach a ripe age of several dozen years.

  • Distribution and habitat

    Originally, carp lived in slowly moving rivers with beds which flooded. They are now often found in gravel pits and other waters fished by sport fishermen, where they have been released.

  • Reproduction

    Carp spawn from May into June. While the female lays its eggs, up to fifteen males wishing to fertilize them will assemble around her. The eggs are laid on aquatic plants or submerged grasslands at a depth of 30-40 centimeters and a temperature of 15-19 degrees Celsius. The larva stage only lasts a few days. The young carp eat water fleas and algae till they reach two centimeters and then switch over to the diet mentioned above.