Prussian carp

Identification

The Prussian carp closely resembles the crucian carp and is often confused with it. The body is deep and laterally compressed, with large, silvery scales. The back is dark olive-green to grey-brown, the flanks silvery-grey and the belly white to slightly yellowish. The key difference from the crucian carp: the Prussian carp has a slightly forked (indented) tail fin, while the crucian carp has a straight-cut or slightly convex tail fin. The Prussian carp also averages larger — specimens of 30-40 cm are common, whereas crucian carp rarely exceed 25 cm.

Behavior & ecology

The Prussian carp originates from East Asia and has spread extensively across Europe in recent decades. In the Netherlands it is a common fish in still and slow-flowing waters. A remarkable trait: Prussian carp populations often consist largely of females that reproduce through gynogenesis — they use sperm from other cyprinids (common carp, crucian carp, bream) to activate their eggs, without incorporating the male's DNA. This makes the Prussian carp an extremely successful colonizer.

Prussian carp are omnivores feeding on aquatic plants, algae, insect larvae, worms and small crustaceans. They are tolerant of low oxygen levels and can survive in waters where many other fish species cannot.

Fishing techniques

The Prussian carp is a fun bycatch when coarse fishing and is caught using the same methods as other small cyprinids:

• Match fishing — light float (1-3 gram) with maggot, caster or corn on the hook; fish just above the bottom
• Method feeder — small method feeder with a mini boilie, pellet or corn as hookbait; effective in ponds
• Pole fishing — margin or 6-11 meter pole with light rigs; ideal for pond and urban water fishing

Use fine tackle: 0.12-0.16 mm mainline, hook size 14-18.

In the Netherlands

The Prussian carp is a non-native species that is now found throughout virtually all of the Netherlands, from city ponds to polder ditches. The species has spread explosively thanks to gynogenetic reproduction and tolerance for poor water quality. There is no closed season or minimum size. Although not considered native, the species is so established that eradication is unrealistic. In some waters, the Prussian carp displaces the native crucian carp, which is an ecological concern.