Appearance and lifestyle:
Common carp (Cyprinus carpio) vary in colour, between golden-yellow and greyish-silver. They can grow up to 1 meter long and weigh up to 30kg. They stir up sediments when they feed, making the water cloudy, and sometimes stirring up water low in oxygen. This can affect plant growth, as well as changing habitat quality for indigenous fish and other aquatic species that have adaptations for hunting or feeding in clearer waters. Their destructive feeding habits have led to carp being viewed as pests by many conservationists.
Habitat:
Naturally occurring in Central Asia and parts of Europe, common carp are now found in many parts of the world. Like most other alien species, they are hardy and can tolerate a wide range of conditions, thriving in dams and large turbid rivers.
Diet:
They are omnivorous animals that feed on aquatic plants, worms, crustaceans etc.
Threats:
Habitat loss, pollution, climate change etc.