The Crucian Carp whilst of the same family as the Common Carp is
different in that it doesn't have barbules and rarely reaches a weight
above 1.5 kg. It is generally found in ponds and lakes where it has the
distinct advantage over many species in that it can survive in poor
water quality with little oxygen and high levels of other gases
whereupon other species would not. The Crucian is mainly a bottom
feeder although it can be found feeding at all levels and often picking
from the surface during sunny days. It's main diet is zooplankton,
fauna and water plants.
The Crucian Carp can be distinguished from it's relative, the Goldfish, by it's colour being dark brownish across the back , golden or greyish green sides and a yellowish or white belly. Also the dorsal fin which is convex on the Crucian where as on the Goldfish, tends to be more concave. The leading hard ray of the dorsal fin has around 30 small barbs compared to the Goldfish's 10 - 15.
Crucian Carp when kept in the same pond as it's larger relatives can and often interbreed with the Common, Mirror or Leather Carp which in turn can present the angler with some confusion to the fishes identity, not to mention the fish itself!
The Crucian Carp can be distinguished from it's relative, the Goldfish, by it's colour being dark brownish across the back , golden or greyish green sides and a yellowish or white belly. Also the dorsal fin which is convex on the Crucian where as on the Goldfish, tends to be more concave. The leading hard ray of the dorsal fin has around 30 small barbs compared to the Goldfish's 10 - 15.
Crucian Carp when kept in the same pond as it's larger relatives can and often interbreed with the Common, Mirror or Leather Carp which in turn can present the angler with some confusion to the fishes identity, not to mention the fish itself!
Methods of Capture. Light tackle fished on or just off the
bottom or around surface plants tends to be productive. Baits such as
maggot, bread, bloodworm and small pieces of diced luncheon meat are
effective. During the summer months try a small float fished on the
drop.
Crucian pictures: N/A