The Caspian Sea is considered to be the birthplace of the carp; from there it spread to the slightly saline areas of the Black and Azov Seas. For spawning it chooses rivers - Don, Dnieper, Terek, Danube.
A fish with an unusual name, carp, belongs to the carp family. It has a number of differences and features:
- highly developed pharynx bones and teeth,
- long, thin tail with a wide, pronounced fin,
- curved head with small eyes.
The roach is considered a distant relative of the carp; they have a similar body structure, but unlike the roach, the carp has small scales and is large in size. In European countries, the carp is known as the “pearl fish”, due to the beautiful scattering of white tubercles on the scales and head of males during the breeding season.
Due to industrial fishing and water pollution in rivers, the carp population has greatly decreased. This species is listed in the International Red Book and needs protection.
Appearance, body structure
The carp's body is similar in structure to a roach, but is much larger in size and resembles an elongated block in shape. Individual representatives can reach 70 - 75 cm in length, and weight varies from 2 to 7 kg. The body is long, thickened on the sides. The head is large, wide, with a protruding forehead. The scales are mirror-silver, with a green tint. The back and head are dark gray, the sides are silvery and blend into a white belly.
There are small, black eyes on the head. The pharyngeal bones are well developed, the teeth are strong and sharp, they easily grind shells and mollusks. For this, the fish got its interesting name.
Read: Fishing for Podust
The fins are pointed, darker on the back, the rest lighter. The tail is pronounced, forked, dark, like the upper fin.
Habitat
The photo of the carp shows that it has a two-contrast color, like most fish. The dark surface of its back indicates that the fish prefers to live at the bottom. Thanks to this color on top, it becomes invisible to predators.
- Initially, the carp was found in the Caspian Sea, only then it moved to the Azov and Black Seas, where it gradually began to increase its numbers.
- These seas contain plenty of shellfish, which make up most of the fish's diet.
- This type of fish can also be found in freshwater bodies of the North Caucasus and Persia. In these reservoirs, this fish received a second name - Kutum.
- Local residents love it very much for its delicate taste. It is noteworthy that in these reservoirs it is quite common, which allows fishermen to fish openly.
It is worth noting that this fish loves those parts of the reservoir where a rocky bottom and cold currents predominate.
In such conditions, she feels most comfortable, the species is able to continue its race.
Habitat, characteristic behavior
The Caspian Sea is considered the original habitat of the carp. According to research results, from here, this species spread to the basins of the Azov and Black Seas.
The habitat for semi-anadromous forms is low-salt areas of seas and tributaries of rivers - during the breeding season. Another part of the fish of this species, which belongs to the residential form, constantly lives in river tributaries and can swim quite far into the rivers.
The carp has a cautious disposition; it is bistro, timid and cautious. So frightened by movement and loud sounds, he will quickly leave the dangerous place and hide for a long time in the depths, among the stones.
The carp loves clean, cool water. Prefers the middle of the river with the fastest flow.
Catching
Since carp are found in sea estuaries and rivers with fast currents, a feeder is ideal for catching it. With the help of this tackle, the angler has the opportunity to cast the bait far and keep it in one place in conditions of strong flow. It should include the following elements:
- a rod about 3.3 m long with a test range of 40–100 g;
- spinning reel size 3500;
- braided cord with a diameter of 0.14 mm;
- feeder weighing 50–90 g;
- shock leader made of fluorocarbon fishing line 0.3 mm thick;
- monofilament leader with a cross-section of 0.18–0.22 mm;
- hook No. 8–4.
For such fishing, a classic rig called a “paternoster” is well suited. The use of a shock leader is mandatory, since fishing is often carried out on rocky ground.
On a note! The length of the leash is selected experimentally and directly depends on the activity of underwater inhabitants.
Like other representatives of the carp family, carp respond well to bait. To lure it, you can use mixtures designed for fishing roach. The best baits to work with are:
- muckworm;
- Nereis;
- bloodworm;
- maggot;
- barley shell meat.
The carp is a beautiful and strong fish that offers desperate resistance when fished. Anglers should remember that this species is listed in the Red Book and can only be caught on a “catch and release” basis.
Reproduction
The carp reaches sexual maturity at 4–5 years. It is characteristic that the female is larger in size than the male. During the breeding season, males grow conical, epithelial tubercles on the lateral scales and on the head; they are also called “pearl rash.” The scales become mirror silver with a red tint on the sides.
Spawning occurs in early spring and in autumn, until the first frost. Males arrive to spawn several days earlier than females. Choose a suitable place with clean water, strong currents, and a rocky bottom. For spawning, the water must warm up to 10 - 15 degrees Celsius. Males prepare selected areas, rub against stones and pebbles, and “clean up” for future offspring. The females, having arrived at the place, spawn eggs, which are carried under the stones by the current; with the help of many fibers, they stick to the stones. Males secrete milk, fertilizing the eggs. For one female, there are usually three males.
Read: Fishing for halibut from a boat. Subtleties of plumb fishing
In another subspecies of this fish, kutum, spawning occurs with some differences. For the deposition of eggs, an area with a calmer current is selected. The soil of the reservoir does not matter. The eggs attach to algae, reed thickets and stones.
Cutters are quite prolific; during the spawning period, the female spawns more than one hundred thousand eggs.
Young individuals keep in flocks. Adult carp prefer to swim alone, scattering over considerable distances, and gather in schools only for the winter and for spawning.
Fishing
Despite the fact that the species is in the Red Book, it is actively caught, but this is not permissible in all reservoirs where the Carp is found. As mentioned above, the meat of this fish is valued for its delicate taste and soft texture, which makes it an excellent option for a large number of dishes.
- When considering the question of what the carp bites on, first of all you need to take into account the characteristics of the reservoir on which fishing is planned.
- As a rule, this set of cyprinids bites well on crayfish meat, shells and the neck of crayfish.
- Catching carp is quite a difficult task because the fish is very shy. You need to have 2 fishing rods, which are usually used for carp fishing.
- Please note that there should be enough fishing line to cast the bait as far from the shore as possible.
- This will increase the efficiency of fishing because fish very rarely approach the shore.
Particular attention should be paid to complementary foods, since without it it simply will not be possible to lure fish into a certain area of the reservoir.
When considering how to catch carp with bait, you need to use wheat flour with small pieces of crayfish meat. Please note that bait must be applied for several days in a row, during the period of greatest activity of the fish. It must be early morning or night when the Carp is looking for food for itself.
A bite can occur virtually at any time, this also needs to be taken into account. Once the fish is hooked, it will begin to scoot very violently from side to side, which will cause great difficulty for an inexperienced fisherman. That is why fishing for this species is not recommended for beginners, because they may simply not be able to cope.
Carp fishing
Although carp are rarely found in our area, fishing for them is an exciting and enjoyable activity. To make fishing with a fishing rod successful, you need to know some nuances.
- First of all, you need to find out whether it is possible to fish for carp in the chosen area.
- The fishing season is spring, when the waters flood. The carp swims closer to the shore and there is an opportunity to catch it.
- The main thing is to choose the right section of the river. A secluded place - with a strong current and clear, clean water. Presence of whirlpools is desirable.
- You need to feed the carp for some time. Shell meat is suitable, as is dough made from wheat flour. It is better to come at sunset or in the dark, so as not to scare away the wary prey.
- Also, an important condition for successful fishing is the choice of fishing rod. The rod should be strong, like for carp. Usually they choose a feeder or match, with a large number of rings and a maximum length of fishing line. Because out of caution, the fish does not swim close to the shore. Two gears will be enough.
- For bait, crayfish meat, shrimp, shells, insect larvae, and red worms are suitable. It is advisable to ask local fishermen what bites are best. The fish are rare and different areas have their own bait. Artificial bait, in the case of carp, is not effective.
- Fishing itself takes place at night, at dawn or late in the evening. During the day, the carp is cautious and hides at the bottom of the reservoir in the stones.
- The fisherman needs to be patient and be on alert, ready to strike at any second. When biting, immediately turn the rod to the side. This strong and stubborn fish will not give up without a fight.
Read: Sterlet
If all conditions are met, carp fishing will be an exciting adventure and will definitely be crowned with success.
Carp
Carp is a fish of the carp family with teeth and small scales. Body length up to 75 cm. Weight 6 kg. Distributed in the basins of the Black and Azov Seas. From the mouth, Vyrezub climbed high up the rivers. The number is small and continues to decline due to unfavorable reproduction conditions.
Carp is a valuable commercial fish. Found in the Seversky Donets and Oskol rivers. Occasionally encountered in the 20th century. In the coat of arms of Novy Oskol, “three large fish, called carp, caught in Oskol, which are not found anywhere in other rivers.” A legend has been preserved about a rich Mexie who loved rare dishes. From Novy Oskol to Moscow, fresh carp were delivered to him under agreements with Novy Oskol fishermen. For this purpose, the farmer kept three horses all the way from Novy Oskol to Moscow.
Lit.: BES T 5. M., 1971; Military statistical review of Kursk province. St. Petersburg. 1850. Tkachenko A. I.
The carp as a whole species is listed in the Red Book of the Russian Federation, and subspecies in some regional Red Books. International status. The carp as a species as a whole is listed on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.
Spreading. Previously, the subspecies was widely represented in the basins of the Black and Azov Seas. Currently, carp have been recorded in the Don during spring and autumn migrations from the Tsimlyansk Reservoir, where a freshwater herd has been formed. On the territory of the Lipetsk region. there is a small residential population.
Description. The body is elongated, slightly flattened laterally. The mouth is terminal, semi-inferior or lower, the upper jaw protrudes slightly above the lower. The snout is blunt, rounded. The forehead is wide and convex. There are 5368 scales in the lateral line. Gill rakers. The pharyngeal teeth are single-row, powerful, short, usually 65, rarely 66 or 55. 4244 vertebrae. The back is dark, the sides are light silver, the belly is white. The dorsal and caudal fins are dark, the rest are grayish. Reaches a length of up to 60 cm and a weight of up to 6 kg. Features of biology and ecology. Migratory fish; residential forms that live permanently in rivers are also noted.
Don spawning grounds are represented by small areas along the entire Don riverbed. Spawning takes place in May on fast currents. Favorite foods are mollusks (dreissena), insect larvae and crustacean inhabitants of the bottom of reservoirs. Throughout the year, individuals up to 34 kg are found in the Don. Perhaps a separate Upper Don herd is being formed. Number and trends of its change. Insignificant, occasionally found in commercial catches. Limiting factors. Regulation of the flow of spawning rivers, their pollution, limited areas of spawning grounds, poaching.
Taken and necessary security measures . It is necessary to completely ban the fishing of this fish throughout its entire range, begin artificial breeding and create nature reserves and sanctuaries in places where its natural spawning is still observed; carry out cryopreservation of genomes.
Sources of information: Berg, 1949. T. 2; Fedorov, 1974; Rare and endangered animals... 1994; List of fishes and fishes... 1997; Annotated catalog... 1998; Atlas... 2003. T. 1; Gladkikh, 2003b, 2005; Kozhara, 2004; Pisces... 2006. Compiled by: V. V. Delitsyn, L.F. Delitsyna.
AOF | 02/16/2015 07:56:34
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