Eurasian carp or Amur carp, is a species of cyprinid fish and is the wild form of the well-known koi. It is widespread in the fresh waters of eastern Asia, native to China, Vietnam and Laos from the Amur to Red River basins, and has also been introduced outside its native range.It is known for its muddy flavor and boniness, hence, it is not commonly eaten by locals except when stewed.
Eurasian carp
Lake-river fish, can live in soda-brackish lakes. Prefers shallow, well-heated areas with silty soil, with well-developed aquatic vegetation. Leads a demeanor lifestyle. Relatively large long-lived fish. The maximum length exceeds 100 cm, weight - more than 32 kg, age - 12+ years. It grows quickly, matures at the age of 4–5 years, with a length of more than 25 cm. In different parts of the Amur basin, spawning takes place from May to July. It spawns in shallow areas with a depth of 0.7–1.0 m when the water warms up to 18 °C and above for last year's and vegetative vegetation. In the absence of vegetation, it can lay eggs on any suitable substrate. Spawning is portioned, stretched. Most often develops three servings of caviar. The first clutch - 70%, the second and third - 15% each of the total amount of mature caviar. Fertility, depending on the size of females, is 0.35–1.70 million eggs. For common carp, mating games are characteristic, which can be observed in the morning hours in calm weather. Caviar with a diameter of 1.8–2.3 mm, ocher-yellow, sticky. According to the type of food, carp is a benthophage, feeds mainly on benthic invertebrates, consumes plant food to a lesser extent. With autumn frosts, carp lie down for wintering in wintering pits.
Light stripes on the fins are bright yellow, dark spots and stripes are almost black. The male is larger than the female and actively guards the nest, driving away other fish while aerating the clutch. By moving its pectoral fins, it creates currents of water in the nest. From time to time, the male takes a few eggs into his mouth and then returns them back. All this improves the oxygen regime in the nest.
