Prussian carp (Carassius gibelio)

Scientific name: Carassius gibelio Bloch, 1782

Prussian carp (Carassius gibelio)

The Prussian carp (Carassius gibelio) is a freshwater fish of the family Cyprinidae. In the aquarium it needs water at 10–20°C (50–68°F).

Prussian carp care at a glance

Temperature
10–20°C (50–68°F)

Biology

Inhabits a wide variety of still water bodies and lowland rivers, usually associated with submerged vegetation or regular flooding. Can strongly tolerate low oxygen concentrations and pollution. Lake dwelling individuals move into river mouths to avoid low oxygen water in winter. Feeding larvae and juveniles occur in high-complexity habitats as reed belts. Feeds on plankton, benthic invertebrates, plant material and detritus. Spawns in shallow, warm shores on submerged vegetation. Able to reproduce from unfertilized eggs (gynogenesis). Life span reaches up to about 10 years. Eastern European or wild form of the goldfish.

Source: FishBase, licensed CC BY-NC 4.0.

Species facts

Scientific name
Carassius gibelio
Family
Cyprinidae (Minnows or carps)
Order
Cypriniformes (Carps)
Class
Actinopterygii (Ray-finned fishes)
Maximum length
35.0
Common length
20.0
Environment
Freshwater; brackish;; pH range: 7.1 - 7.5; dH range: 12 - ? benthopelagic; potamodromous; depth range 0 - ? m
Climate
Temperate
Distribution
Europe and Asia: usually considered as native from central Europe to Siberia or introduced to European waters from eastern Asia. Clear and definite data on original distribution in Europe are not available due to introduction, confusion with Carassius auratus and complex modes of reproduction. At present, widely distributed and commonly stocked together with Cyprinus carpio which is transported throughout Europe. Absent in northern Baltic basin, Iceland, Ireland, Scotland and Mediterranean islands.
Conservation status (IUCN)
Not Evaluated
Threat to humans
Potential pest
Uses
Fisheries: minor commercial
Resilience
Medium, minimum population doubling time 1.4 - 4.4 years (K=0.13; tm=1-4)

Sources

Taxonomy, distribution and biology data: FishBase (Froese, R. and D. Pauly, eds.), licensed CC BY-NC 4.0.

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