Fin's Fish Guide
The Crucian carp (Carassius carassius) is a freshwater fish of the family Cyprinidae that grows up to 64 cm.
Widespread in fresh water of Europe and North Asia, in stagnant, plant-rich moorland pools, ponds, ditches and floodplains.
Description
The crucian carp is a deep-bodied, stocky cyprinid of the family Cyprinidae that can reach about 50 cm but often stays small in poor waters. The copper-brown to golden body has a convex, outward-bowed dorsal fin and lacks barbels, distinguishing it from the common carp and the gibel carp. The species is extraordinarily hardy: it tolerates oxygen-poor, warm and acidic water and can even survive frozen in or buried in mud. It lives in still, vegetation-rich pools, ponds, ditches and floodplains of Europe and northern Asia. As an omnivore it eats midge larvae, snails, zooplankton, plant matter and detritus. Through its hardiness it is a typical inhabitant of isolated waters and a valued fish for angling.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Crucian carp?
The Crucian carp has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly yellow-gold and shows a plain pattern. Deep-bodied, stocky carp with a convex, outwardly arched dorsal fin and coppery brown flanks; lacks barbels and is exceptionally hardy.
Where does the Crucian carp live?
The Crucian carp lives in fresh water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Widespread in fresh water of Europe and North Asia, in stagnant, plant-rich moorland pools, ponds, ditches and floodplains.
How big does the Crucian carp get?
The Crucian carp grows to a maximum of about 64 cm. On average the species is around 15 cm.
Is the Crucian carp dangerous to humans?
No, the Crucian carp is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Crucian carp edible?
The Crucian carp is rarely eaten.
Easily confused with
These species look like the Crucian carp and live in the same waters.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Carassius
More from the family Cyprinidae
Want the complete picture on the Crucian carp?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Crucian carp is one of 12,519 species in the app.