SPORT FISH OF OHIO identification

m i r r o r c a r p • l e a t h e r c a r p
c o m m o n c a r p
Cyprinus carpio
30
IDENTIFICATION: A stout, bronze-gold to goldenyellow
fish with a yellowish belly. The upper jaw has two
barbels on each side, the largest at the back of the jaw.
Partially scaled or scaless individuals are often called
“half-scaled,” “mirror,” or “leather” carp.
FISHING TIPS: Dough balls, worms, crayfish tails, or
similar baits fished on the bottom often produce good
catches of carp. Bowfishing, gigging, snagging, and spearing
are also popular ways of harvesting carp, especially when
receding water levels leave them stranded in shallow
pools.
ADULT SIZE: Generally between 1-10 pounds,
occasionally up to 50-60 pounds and 40 inches long
FOOD: Primarily insect larvae, crustaceans, mollusks,
and small fish
SPAWNING: In shallow waters during April into June.
Eggs are scattered in vegetation, debris, or roots in 1-4
feet of water. Large females lay between 100,000 and
500,000 eggs.
RANGE AND HABITAT: Originally found in Europe
and Asia, but introduced into North America in the
1870s. Now found in warm lakes, rivers, streams, and
ponds throughout Ohio. Carp prefer turbid waters rich
in organic matter and do not multiply readily in clear,
cool waters.