Fin's Fish Guide
The Gibel carp (Carassius gibelio) is a freshwater fish of the family Cyprinidae that grows up to 47 cm.
Originally in fresh water of Eastern Europe and Asia, in stagnant and slow-flowing, nutrient-rich waters.
Description
The gibel carp or Prussian carp is a hardy cyprinid of the family Cyprinidae reaching about 45 cm. It resembles the crucian carp but is greyer and more slender, with a straight to slightly concave dorsal fin and no barbels; it is the wild ancestor of the goldfish. The gibel carp tolerates oxygen-poor, warm and polluted water very well. Native to eastern Europe and Asia, it has become strongly invasive across western Europe, including the Netherlands. Notorious is its reproduction: many populations consist almost entirely of females that reproduce clonally through gynogenesis, using sperm of other cyprinids only as a trigger. Through its hardiness and rapid increase it displaces native fish.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Gibel carp?
The Gibel carp has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a plain pattern. Tough cyprinid that resembles the crucian carp but is greyer and slimmer; notorious for gynogenesis, in which almost only females reproduce by cloning.
Where does the Gibel carp live?
The Gibel carp lives in fresh water and is mostly found around mixed bottom. Originally in fresh water of Eastern Europe and Asia, in stagnant and slow-flowing, nutrient-rich waters.
How big does the Gibel carp get?
The Gibel carp grows to a maximum of about 47 cm. On average the species is around 20 cm.
Is the Gibel carp dangerous to humans?
No, the Gibel carp is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Gibel carp edible?
The Gibel carp is rarely eaten.
More photos
Easily confused with
These species look like the Gibel 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 Gibel carp?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Gibel carp is one of 12,519 species in the app.