Prussian carp

The Prussian carp, silver Prussian carp or Gibel carp (Carassius gibelio, sometimes Carassius gibelio gibelio and, before 2003, Carassius auratus gibelio), is a member of the family Cyprinidae, which includes many other fish, such as the common carp, and the smaller minnows. It is a medium-sized cyprinid, and does not exceed a weight of 6.6 pounds (3 kg) and a size of 45 cm. They are usually silver, although other color variations exist. They are omnivorous and feed on plankton, invertebrates, plant material and detritus. Originally from Asia (Siberia), they have been introduced to and are now inhabiting lakes, ponds, and slow-moving rivers throughout Europe, North America, and Asia.

Description

The Prussian carp is a deep-bodied, robust fish which resembles the Crucian carp (Carassius carassius) and grows to about 10 to 35 cm (4 to 14 in) in length. Its scales are larger than those of the Crucian carp, and it typically has 27 to 32 scales along the lateral line, whereas the Crucian carp usually has between 31 and 35. The species is silvery, sometimes with a faint golden tinge, while the Crucian carp has a burnished gold appearance. The Prussian carp's tail is more deeply forked than that of the Crucian carp.