Fin's Fish Guide
The Carp (Oreochromis esculentus) is a freshwater fish of the family Cichlidae that grows up to 50 cm.
Description
The Singida tilapia is a cichlid native to Lake Victoria and adjacent lakes in East Africa. The species reaches about 50 cm, has a deep, silvery-grey body and is a pronounced phytoplankton feeder, filtering diatoms from the water with a mucus-trap mechanism and combing pharyngeal teeth. The fish tolerates low oxygen levels and sometimes forms schools. It is a maternal mouthbrooder: the female carries the eggs and young in her mouth. Once one of the most important food fishes of the lake, the species has been greatly reduced by introduced Nile perch and Nile tilapia; the IUCN assesses it as near threatened.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Carp?
The Carp has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a plain pattern. Important native food fish of Lake Victoria; maternal mouthbrooder, strongly declined due to introduced species.
Where does the Carp live?
The Carp lives in fresh water and is mostly found around mixed bottom. East Africa, originally Lake Victoria and Lake Kyoga.
How big does the Carp get?
The Carp grows to a maximum of about 50 cm. On average the species is around 31 cm.
Is the Carp dangerous to humans?
No, the Carp is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Carp edible?
Yes, the Carp is commonly eaten.
More photos
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Oreochromis
More from the family Cichlidae
Want the complete picture on the Carp?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Carp is one of 12,519 species in the app.