Crucian Carp

Scientific Name: Carassius carassius
Maximum Weight: 7lb (3.2kg)
Maximum Length: 18in (46cm)
Average Weight Caught: 8oz (226g)
Life Span: 15 Years

The Crucian Carp is a very hardy fish able to survive in the smallest of pools they thrive in very weedy muddy pools with little oxygen. Conditions that most other fishes could not survive in. They are not fussy eaters except when they are very young at this time they feed only on planktonic crustaceans. When they are fully-grown they will eat almost anything in the water such as insect larvae, crustaceans and a lot of water plants. He/she is mostly a bottom feeder but can also be found feeding at other levels and, on very sunny days, will take food from the surface.

They spawn mainly on water plants around May-June. The eggs hatch within a week but the fish stay attached to the plants for two to three days to feed on the yolk sack before swimming off.

Although its origins are unsure, it is believed to have been present in the UK since the 18th century, when it was imported from Germany. Its original 'roots' are probably found in the rivers feeding the North, Baltic and Black Seas.

It is an extremely adaptable fish, thriving in conditions that would prove fatal to most other species. It is amongst the smallest of the carp family, and will sometimes interbreed with Gold Fish and standard Carp. The standard Carp hybrids for some reason unknown to me are mostly males. Please feel free to Email me if you know the answer to this.

According to fish geneticists at Hull University, extensive hybridisation has already taken place, and their studies of DNA show that the genetic make up of a significant number have already been damaged as a result of Goldfish interbeeding. Sadly, these offspring are quite capable of out-competing their non-hybridised relatives and are still able to breed into the pure stock.

The most popular baits to catch them on are Maggots, Casters, Luncheon Meat and Sweet Corn.