Common Carp

 

Photo by: Matthew R. Thomas

Identification: A large, deep-bodied fish with two short barbels on each side of the mouth, large scales, and a long dorsal fin. Color is olive to brassy on the back and sides with a pale yellow belly and orange-tinted lower fins. Adults grow to about 4 feet and weigh up to 80 pounds, but individuals in the 12-30 inch and 1-20 pound size range are most common.

Distribution and Habitat: Native to Europe and Asia, the Common Carp was widely introduced in North America in the mid-1800s. It occurs in a variety of habitats throughout Kentucky, but is most abundant in reservoirs and main channels of rivers.