common carp

Common Carp

The Common carp is a widespread freshwater fish distantly related to the common goldfish with which it is capable of interbreeding. Common carp are native to Asia and Eastern Europe but have been introduced into environments worldwide including commercial fisheries such as Llyn Y Gors where they have gone on to grow at fast rates and breed consistently every year. Common Carp can grow to a maximum length of 5 feet (1.5 meters), a maximum weight of over 80lb (37.3 kg), and an oldest recorded age of at least 65 years. The wild, non-domesticated, forms tend to be much less stocky at around 20% - 33% the maximum size. Koi is a domesticated ornamental variety that originated in China but became known to the Western world through Japan.

Although they are very tolerant of most conditions, the common carp prefer large bodies of slow or standing water and soft, vegetative sediments. Common Carp are a schooling fish, they prefer to be in groups of 5 or more and can often be found at Llyn Y Gors patrolling the surface of The Old Carp Lake and The Pleasure Lake basking in the sun during hot and sunny conditions.

The common carp is omnivorous and will eat almost anything that it comes across. The common carp is happy to eat a vegetarian diet of water plants, but also insects, crustaceans (including zooplankton), or even dead fish if the opportunity arises. However nutrionally frozen boilies have been designed for the healthiest and fastest growth bait and this is why Llyn Y Gors has managed to keep Common Carp, healthy growing and breeding every year.

Common carp are extremely popular with anglers in many parts of Europe, and their popularity as quarry is slowly increasing among anglers in the United States. Very specialized baits and tackle have been developed for common carp angling and can be found at www.fishingwarehouse.co.uk or on site at Llyn Y Gors.