Description of Common Carp
The common carp usually has an olive- to-green back, fading
to a yellow-brown side, with a yellow belly. The fins are yellow to yellow-red.
Two pairs of barbels are present on the upper jaw, which help to distinguish
carp from suckers. The mouth is small and is supported by tough cartilage. The
carp has small teeth on the back of the last gill arch near the throat. These
teeth, similar to human molars, are used for crushing shells, seeds and plants.
Carp are native to Eurasia but were introduced into North
America during the 1800s. They can now be found in lakes and rivers throughout
the United States. Carp are routinely found along the shoreline of lakes and
rivers, where they feed on aquatic plants, algae, invertebrates and, on
occasion, small fish.
to a yellow-brown side, with a yellow belly. The fins are yellow to yellow-red.
Two pairs of barbels are present on the upper jaw, which help to distinguish
carp from suckers. The mouth is small and is supported by tough cartilage. The
carp has small teeth on the back of the last gill arch near the throat. These
teeth, similar to human molars, are used for crushing shells, seeds and plants.
Carp are native to Eurasia but were introduced into North
America during the 1800s. They can now be found in lakes and rivers throughout
the United States. Carp are routinely found along the shoreline of lakes and
rivers, where they feed on aquatic plants, algae, invertebrates and, on
occasion, small fish.
Common Carp
![Picture](/uploads/1/9/7/0/19701521/11502.jpg)
This Carp was caught directly under the Mouth of Wilson Dam in Virginia, It was caught on a fruity carp bait. This fish was 24" long.