Common Carp
Type: Other Non-Native
Appearance: A large, heavy-bodied minnow, with arched back small triangular head. A protrusible mouth contains no teeth, but two pair of barbels are on the upper jaw. Body color is brassy green to bronze or gold.
State record: Vacant. Qualifying size: 35 lbs.
BigCatch: To qualify your catch needs to exceed the listed weight OR length (not necessarily both).
Habitat: They were introduced to the U.S. in the late 1800's from Europe. They occur throughout the Apalachicola and Ochlockonee river systems in variety of habitats.
Behavior: Typically spawn in small groups in shallow, heavily vegetated areas. No parental care is given. Eggs sink and adhere to vegetation or debris on the bottom. Feed by sucking up bottom silt, and selectively removing insect larvae, crustaceans, snails, and other small food items.
Tips: A powerful fighter that is very popular in Europe. Use heavy tackle, with dough balls, corn, or worms fished on the bottom. Bony but boiled or smoked are excellent eating.