Crucian carp is considered one of the most famous species of fish. It is found in almost all fresh water bodies, which are characterized by stagnant water or slow flow. There are also species that live in the seas and oceans. The most famous representatives of this family include golden and silver crucian carp, but there are other species. At the same time, not every person knows what exactly crucian carp eats and what kind of life they lead.
Description of the fish
The exact origin of this fish has not been established.There is a version that freshwater individuals are considered the ancestors of marine inhabitants. However, from a scientific point of view it has not been confirmed in any way. It is believed that the first silver crucian carp lived in the Far Eastern region, and then settled across the mainland. Golden individuals formed a separate branch, which appeared on the European part of the continent, and then came to Asia.
Crucians were first mentioned in Novgorod scribe books in the fifteenth century. The name of this fish is consonant with the Latin word “carassius” and the ancient German “karas”. Thus, we can conclude that the Russian name was borrowed from other languages. More precise information on this matter is not available.
This fish belongs to the Karpov family. Some specimens can grow up to 50 centimeters and weigh more than 5 kilograms. However, the average weight of fish is 200-500 grams. The lifespan of crucian carp can reach 15 years. However, in nature it usually does not exceed 7-9 years. This fish is difficult to classify as a predator despite the fact that it is an omnivore.
Appearance
River crucian carp resembles carp in visual characteristics. The main difference is the shape of the head. In crucian carp it is smaller in size and has a narrower mouth. Also a distinctive feature is the absence of a mustache.
The crucian carp is characterized by a tall, elongated body, which looks a little like a diamond. He also has small eyes. The body is slightly flattened on the sides. At the same time, the dorsal fin is distinguished by its large size and smooth contours. The scales are large and smooth. Its color may vary - it all depends on the variety. Most often, crucian carp have golden and silver colors.
Habitat
Crucian carp is considered a surprisingly unpretentious fish species.It occurs even where, at first glance, there is no life at all. The habitat of these individuals is truly impressive. Golden species have become widespread in territories from the center of Europe to Yakutia. Silver varieties originally lived in the rivers of the Pacific basin and in Siberian reservoirs, but thanks to the efforts of people they spread to all European reservoirs.
Crucian carp is able to live where other fish species die. This is due to the fact that individuals can fall into suspended animation. They survive even when the water freezes completely. In addition, crucian carp is able to withstand significant temperature increases - up to +36 degrees.
Lifestyle
Crucian carp looks like many representatives of the Karpov family, but differs from them in its endurance and unpretentiousness. These features affect the lifestyle of the fish. It is able to survive in almost any body of water and adapt to changing conditions. For these individuals, the oxygen content in different water layers does not matter. Thanks to this, crucian carp are able to survive cold winters, when the reservoir freezes almost to the bottom.
Crucian carp mainly live in places where there is no current. The lake variety is considered the most numerous. However, these individuals are also found in rivers and streams. Crucian carp prefer places with an abundance of silt. In addition, they love coastal and aquatic vegetation. To find shelter or food, crucian carp are able to burrow into mud to a depth of more than 50 centimeters.
Other characteristic features of such individuals include the following:
- Crucian carp has a well-developed sense of smell. It is able to detect a faint odor even from a distance of several tens of meters.
- Maximum activity of individuals is observed in the morning and evening. At the same time, they prefer to rest during the day.The fish is characterized by a calm and peaceful disposition. When a threat appears, she tries to hide.
- Crucian carp live in schools. The only exceptions are especially large specimens, which try to stay away from their fellows.
- Pisces prefer to lead a sedentary lifestyle. They are considered quite cautious. Only during spawning do such individuals enter river channels or other areas of the reservoir.
Diet
Crucian carp is considered an omnivorous fish. Sometimes it even feeds on what is commonly called organic waste. After the fry are born, during the first week they live off what is in the gall sac. After a specified period of time, they begin to eat the simplest microorganisms that inhabit lakes and ponds.
The fry's favorite food at this stage is considered to be bacterial microorganisms, daphnia and algae. When the fish reach the age of 1 month, their diet expands. At the same time, bloodworms and larvae of aquatic insects replace single-celled organisms.
Adults have a varied diet. They eat larvae, annelids, mollusks and crustaceans. There are also crucian carp that live in deep ponds. There they consume benthic organisms.
According to ichthyologists, deep reservoirs, which contain a lot of bottom food, give crucian carp the opportunity to grow faster and increase to large sizes. In small ponds that are overgrown with swamps and reeds, crucian carp cannot grow normally because they eat exclusively plankton and protozoa. It is noteworthy that these individuals feed not only on animal, but also plant food. They eat aquatic grass and even mud.
Are there any enemies?
In nature, crucian carp are hunted by almost all large predators that live in freshwater bodies.The main enemy is considered to be pike, since the habitats of these fish often overlap. Perches, asps, and pike perch also hunt for crucian carp.
The fry of these fish are actively consumed by newts and frogs. Newborns are eaten by swimmers, bugs, and stripers. Adult fish that swim to the surface of the reservoir are often eaten by gulls, herons and kingfishers.
Carp are also hunted by predatory animals. Among them, it is worth highlighting ferrets, muskrats, and otters. Sometimes fish become prey for foxes. However, humans are considered the main enemy of crucian carp. Catching this fish is easy and interesting. It does not require any specific skills. In addition, crucian carp have excellent gastronomic qualities, which makes them even more attractive to people.
Benefits for humans
Lake and river species bring great benefits to human health. This fish contains many proteins that contain amino acids important for the body. If you eat 100 grams of crucian carp meat, you will be able to get 30% of your daily protein requirement. In addition, the product contains many vitamins and minerals. Among the most valuable components, it is worth highlighting fluorine, phosphorus, potassium, and iodine.
By using this product you will be able to achieve the following results:
- Improve heart rhythm and normalize blood pressure parameters.
- Increase appetite and stimulate the secretion of digestive juices.
- Cope with swelling.
- Increase hemoglobin parameters.
It is recommended to consume crucian carp meat during pregnancy and lactation. Fish contains many valuable substances that have a beneficial effect on the child.
Reproduction of crucian carp
The spawning period differs depending on regional characteristics and climate. However, the first wave usually occurs at the end of May or the first half of June. Sometimes the dates are shifted due to cold weather or precipitation.This also leads to increased activity of predators. Crucians begin to reproduce at the age of 3-4 years. Moreover, their weight must be at least 300 grams.
The maximum number of eggs that a female can lay in a season is 20 thousand. Moreover, their size does not exceed 1 millimeter. After laying eggs, males cover them with milk. Already on day 3, embryos begin to actively develop.
It is important to consider that only females live in some reservoirs. Their reproduction is carried out through the mechanism of gynogenesis. In this case, females use males of other species. These include carp, bream, and carp.
Types of fish
The main population today consists of two varieties of crucian carp - silver and gold. Each of them has its own characteristics. In China, new species have been artificially bred that are suitable for keeping in aquariums.
Gold
This is one of the most common representatives of the Carp family, which lives in almost all fresh water bodies with standing water or slow flow. Such individuals weigh on average 300-500 grams. The maximum weight is 4 kilograms. The body length of such individuals is 30-40 centimeters. It is flattened on both sides. In this case, the height from the line of the abdomen to the dorsal hump is 10-15 centimeters. Such individuals are distinguished by a rounded muzzle.
Sexual maturity of such varieties occurs at 3 years. Moreover, their life expectancy is on average 8-10 years. If there are large predators in the reservoir, this period is reduced to 5-8 years. At the same time, the survival rate of young individuals does not exceed 20%.
It is worth considering that this variety is considered the most tenacious among crucian carp.Golden individuals tolerate changes in living conditions more easily and can withstand natural disasters normally.
The golden variety is characterized by relatively large scales that fit tightly to the body. It has a golden or copper color. The fins are reddish or dark brown.
Silver
This subspecies of freshwater crucian carp is considered very common. Silver individuals are found in all Russian fresh water bodies. They can also be found in other Eurasian countries.
This subspecies is characterized by a flattened body. It has a smaller width than the golden one and is more rounded. Representatives of the silver variety are distinguished by an elongated muzzle, which has a slight point.
The dorsal fin is covered with serrations, and the caudal fin is clearly pronounced and has a regular shape. The average weight of representatives of this variety is 300-600 grams. Moreover, adult individuals can weigh 3 kilograms. As for the length of the body, it is 30-45 centimeters.
This variety is characterized by large scales that grow overlapping and fit tightly to the body. The scales are silvery on top and black on the bottom. In nature, there are crucian carps with golden scales. In this case, the fins match them in color or have a dark color.
Fishing Features
No special gear or skills are required to catch crucian carp. This fish bites perfectly even on an ordinary float rod. It is permissible to use plant bait as bait. This can be feed, porridge or cake. It is also permissible to use bottom gear and elastic bands for fishing. In this case, the bait can be worms, maggots, pearl barley.
It is recommended to catch this fish near reed thickets. This should be done in shallow water, where the water heats up well. However, in hot weather, fish may choose shady places.
For fishing you should use small hooks. In this case, the thickness of the fishing line should not exceed 0.15 millimeters. It is worth choosing gear taking into account a specific body of water. Large crucian carp are considered quite powerful. Therefore, it is worth using durable equipment to catch them.
The peak of active biting is observed before spawning, when the water temperature in the reservoir reaches +14-18 degrees. The rest of the time the bites will be uncertain. This is especially true when there is a large amount of natural food available.
Winter
Crucian carp is considered a heat-loving fish. In winter, it hibernates or noticeably reduces activity. Therefore, winter fishing is limited to clear boundaries. It is permissible to catch this representative of the Karpov family before the freeze-up begins - in December. Then it is recommended to do this in early March, when the ice begins to melt.
A good catch is possible during the thaw, when the temperature rises to 0 degrees. In winter, you should catch crucian carp in the morning. However, it is useless to do this in the dark. The same applies to severe frosts and snowstorms.
Spring
Spring is considered the best time for fishing. When the temperature of the reservoir increases to +8 degrees, the fish begins to leave their winter shelter and begins to search for food. Maximum activity occurs when the water warms up to a temperature of +15 degrees.
When aquatic vegetation just begins to bloom, crucian carp are found in all areas of water bodies. However, they prefer places where the water heats up faster. This often happens in shallow water.
Summer
In summer, crucian carp are most active and feed intensively. At the same time, high water temperature and abundance of food can negatively affect the fish’s interest in the bait.
It’s worth choosing a place, gear and bait depending on the weather. In hot weather, crucian carp moves to depth. In this case, using a float rod is useless. A feeder would be much more suitable. It is also acceptable to fish from a boat. In cloudy weather with little wind, crucian carp bite better. At the same time, the water is saturated with oxygen, which leads to an increase in the appetite of the fish.
Autumn
In autumn, the water temperature gradually decreases and the death of aquatic vegetation is observed. At this time, crucian carp try to stay at a depth of at least 3 meters. In warm weather, fish can be found in summer feeding areas. When temperature parameters decrease, crucian carp begin to move around the reservoir in search of comfortable conditions. The chances of catching fish increase in warm, cloudy weather.
Crucian carp is considered a very common fish that is found everywhere. At the same time, it is considered an omnivorous individual, whose diet contains both plant and animal foods. The advantage of this fish is considered to be valuable meat, which contains a lot of proteins and vitamins. Thanks to regular use of this product, you can improve your health.
