Crucian Carp (Carassius Carassius)

From the Genus of Cyprinidae and the sub-Family Cyprininae

Crucians live as bottom dwellers in shoals of varying sizes in all waters but chiefly still. They are very closely related to goldfish (Carassius auratus auratus).

Their body is elongate and laterally compressed, and may develop significant depth with age. Crucian carp have a long Dorsal fin and a short slightly indented Caudal. The long spine of the Dorsal fin is serrated with fine teeth. The lateral line is complete. The terminal mouth has no barbels.

The colouring of Crucian Carp is extremely variable. The back is typically olive-green and the sides yellowish to grey-green with an overall bronzed theme. The young have a dark spot at the base of the Caudal. Dorsal and Caudal fins are brown and the paired fins yellow-brown and sometimes reddish. Their natural food is the same as Common Carp, basically everything that enters their mouths.

Baits are as wide-ranging as those for Common Carp; they are omnivorous and will take from any depth and presentation method. Very tolerant of temperature variation and of low oxygen content they may feed in conditions where Common Carp take a day off.

Crucian Carp crossbreed freely and Carp crosses have stunted barbels, grow slowly and are usually sterile.

The British record weight for a rod-caught Crucian Carp is 4lb 9oz 9dr. The Association record is 3lb 4oz 0dr, which represents a large 71% of the record. This was caught by W. Harmer from Cinderford Pond in the 1999/2000 season. Crucian Carp over 1lb 8oz can be registered as an Association specimen, but it should be noted that fish caught from Cinderford Pond will no longer be considered, as considerable cross-breeding has lead to significant doubt as to species identification in this water.

02/03/2008