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The fish has an omnivorous feeding habit which includes decaying plants,
worms, crustaceans etc., though young are plankton feeders. It grows to a
size of 15 to 18 inches in a year, also attaining maturity at this age and
size. The fish breeds throughout the year, the peak breeding period,
however, being from January to February. The speciality of this carp is
that unlike other major carps, it breeds in ponds and tanks. Having been
domesticated for centuries, the fish is sluggish in habit. The eggs which
are adhesive are found sticking to leaves of submerged plants.
The three varieties of Cyprinus carpio can be distinguished as follows: The
mirror carp, C. carpio var specularis, has a yellowish golden colour with
large and shiny scales, the scale carp, C. carpio var communis, has small
scales whereas the leather carp, C. carpio var nudus, has a leathery
appearance on account of scales being almost absent
Gourami (Osphronemus goramy)
(20) GOURAMI
FAUNA 166